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Any rise in incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is due to A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 39 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 39
Any rise in incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is due to A. these bacteria having acquired immunity to antibiotics. B. the overuse of antibiotics causing mut... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Any rise in incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is due to A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 39 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the Correct Answer
Answer
The rise in incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is primarily due to antibiotic-resistant phenotypes being favoured through natural selection. This means that when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, only those with mutations that provide resistance can survive and reproduce, passing on these traits to future generations.
Step 2
Evaluate Each Option
Answer
A. Acquired immunity in bacteria does not occur in the same way as in higher organisms because bacteria reproduce asexually and do not pass on acquired traits.
B. While antibiotic overuse can lead to mutations that contribute to resistance, it is not the sole reason for the rise in resistance. Natural selection plays a more critical role.
C. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be introduced through various means, but this does not explain the rise in resistance definitively. In contrast, natural selection explains how resistance can develop in response to antibiotic use.
D. This option correctly identifies the process whereby naturally occurring mutations that confer resistance are selected for in the presence of antibiotics.