GED Science Practice

Which term refers to a substance that stops or controls the effects of a poison?

1. Antitoxin

2. Antiseptic

3. Appendix

4. Armature

The correct answer is: Antitoxin

The term that refers to a substance that stops or controls the effects of a poison is antitoxin. Antitoxins are specific types of antibodies produced by the immune system in response to a toxin, effectively neutralizing it and minimizing its harmful effects on the body. This is particularly important in medical contexts, such as in cases of snake bites or bacterial infections where toxins are involved, as antitoxins can be administered to counteract the specific poison. In contrast, antiseptics are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms, thus serving a different purpose in infection control rather than direct detoxification. The appendix is a small organ in the digestive system and has no relevance to toxins or poisons. Armature is a term typically used in engineering and physical sciences to describe a protective framework or covering, and does not pertain to the effects of poisons. Understanding these distinctions is key to comprehending the role of antitoxins in medical treatment.