What is a characteristic of bacteriostatic substances?

Bacteriostatic substances are designed to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, rather than killing them outright. This characteristic is crucial in various medical and surgical applications, as it allows the immune system to effectively manage and eliminate the bacterial infection over time, without overwhelming the body with a sudden influx of dead bacterial debris that could complicate healing.

In contrast, options that refer to killing bacteria or being effective only under certain environmental conditions do not accurately describe the nature of bacteriostatic agents. The ability to inhibit growth makes these substances valuable in controlling bacterial populations without necessarily needing to destroy them immediately. This mechanism is particularly useful in settings where promoting the body's natural defenses is preferred, as well as in the context of antibiotic resistance, where suppressing bacterial growth can lead to a more effective overall treatment strategy.