Bacteriostatic agents do which of the following?

Bacteriostatic agents work by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria without directly killing them. They achieve this through various mechanisms, such as interfering with protein synthesis, disrupting cell membrane integrity, or inhibiting critical metabolic pathways necessary for bacterial growth. Because they do not kill the bacteria, these agents allow the immune system to eliminate the pathogens more effectively.

In contrast, options that suggest causing the death of microorganisms or claiming both mechanisms to be true do not accurately represent the function of bacteriostatic agents. Thus, the definitive action of inhibiting growth is the key characteristic that distinguishes bacteriostatic agents.