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The widespread use of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections has led to the development of antibiotic resistance in some species of bacteria. From your studies of evolution and the mechanisms of inheritance, explain how resistance has developed in bacteria. (3 marks)
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→ Resistance in bacteria develops through a process of natural selection and genetic mutation.
→ Some bacteria possess random mutations that allow them to be resistant to antibiotics.
→ As these resistant bacteria are more likely to survive, when they reproduce via binary fission, the daughter cells will also possess the resistant mutation.
→ Over time, the whole population of bacteria becomes antibiotic-resistant because the resistant bacteria are best suited to their environment. This is how resistance has developed in bacteria.
→ Resistance in bacteria develops through a process of natural selection and genetic mutation.
→ Some bacteria possess random mutations that allow them to be resistant to antibiotics.
→ As these resistant bacteria are more likely to survive, when they reproduce via binary fission, the daughter cells will also possess the resistant mutation.
→ Over time, the whole population of bacteria becomes antibiotic-resistant because the resistant bacteria are best suited to their environment. This is how resistance has developed in bacteria.