GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Drug Discovery

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Infection and Response Communicable Diseases

Drug Discovery

2:00 Discovering and Developing Drugs
Spec 4.3.1.9
Previous Antibiotics & Painkillers Next New Drug Development
  • Historically, humans have observed the health impacts of various substances.
  • Positive and negative effects of plants were identified through consumption.
  • Chemicals responsible for these effects were isolated and concentrated.
  • Drugs were traditionally extracted from plants and microorganisms.
  • Examples of drugs derived from plants include digitalis and aspirin.
  • Digitalis, used for heart disorders, comes from foxgloves.
  • Aspirin, a painkiller, is derived from the bark of willow trees.
  • Penicillin, an antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming from penicillium mold.
  • Fleming's discovery occurred when a Petri dish he left open became contaminated with the mold, inhibiting bacterial growth around it.
  • These examples are important for understanding the origins of certain medications.

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