This document discusses microbial antibiotics. It defines antibiotics as substances derived from microorganisms or produced synthetically that destroy or limit the growth of living organisms. It then covers the classification of antibiotics based on their chemical structure, bacterial spectrum of activity, origin, mode of action, and effects. Various classes of antibiotics are described based on their chemical composition and origins such as carbohydrate-containing antibiotics, aminoglycosides, and those derived from actinomycetes and fungi. Their modes of action include inhibiting cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and folic acid synthesis. Effects can be bacteriostatic by inhibiting growth or bactericidal by killing bacteria. Administration routes include oral, intravenous, and parenteral delivery