Question

Describe two types of compounds from living things that are used as medications.

Short answer

Penicillin and Salicylic acid are two types of compounds from living things used as medications. Penicillin is derived from Penicillium fungi and used in antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Salicylic acid is derived from the bark of the Willow tree and is often used in pain relievers and anti-inflammatories like aspirin.

Step-by-step solution

Identification

The first step is identifying compounds from living things. This step includes the identification of Penicillin derived from the Penicillium fungi and Salicylic acid derived from the Willow tree.

Description of Penicillin

Penicillin is a group of antibiotics first discovered and later isolated by Alexander Fleming from the Penicillium fungi. These antibiotics are used to treat a number of bacterial infections including pneumonia, strep throat, and sexually transmitted infections. Penicillin hinders bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing the bacterium to burst.

Description of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a type of phenolic acid obtained from the bark of the Willow tree. This compound is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. This is often found in over-the-counter medications such as aspirin. Salicylic acid works by suppressing the production of signaling molecules that induce inflammation, pain, and fever.