You will be asked to find the "mode of action" or the "mechanism of action." Most sources have one or the other, but not both. What's the difference?
A "mechanism of action" explains how a drug works at the molecular level, like how it interacts with cells or proteins to produce its effect. A “mode of action” is a broader term that describes what the drug does to the body overall, such as stopping pain or killing bacteria.
If a source uses “mode of action” instead of “mechanism of action,” that’s okay; just be aware that it might be using the terms interchangeably or in a more general way. If you're unsure, look at how the source describes what the drug does and how it works. If it explains the biological steps or molecular interactions, it’s likely talking about the mechanism, even if it says “mode.” You can still use it, just be clear in your own writing about what the source is describing.
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