Final answer:
An antibiotic is indeed effective in treating bacterial infections like strep throat, but it is critical to finish the entire course of treatment to avoid antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics target bacterial structures, sparing human cells, and not all microbes are harmful.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, an antibiotic can help cure diseases like strep throat. Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, and antibiotics are effective in killing this bacterial infection. It's important for patients prescribed antibiotics to take the full course of treatment, even if they start to feel better before the medication is finished. Not completing the antibiotic course can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, making the bacteria stronger and harder to kill in the future. Note that antibiotics do not work on viral infections such as colds or the flu.
Antibiotics target specific parts of bacterial cells, like the cell wall or protein synthesis machinery, which are different from human cells. This is why they are effective at killing bacteria without harming human cells. It's also essential to be aware that not all microbes are harmful; in fact, many are beneficial and play a crucial role in maintaining health.