Photo AI
A gardener noticed a red and swollen area on his arm that had received a deep scratch from a thorn on a plant - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 28 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 28
A gardener noticed a red and swollen area on his arm that had received a deep scratch from a thorn on a plant. Identify the most likely human defence adaptation tha... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A gardener noticed a red and swollen area on his arm that had received a deep scratch from a thorn on a plant - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 28 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the most likely human defence adaptation that caused these symptoms.
Answer
The most likely human defence adaptation that caused these symptoms is inflammation. This response occurs as the body reacts to injury or infection, leading to swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
Step 2
Why did the doctor prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection?
Answer
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat the infection because antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections that can occur following a wound. The red and swollen area indicates a possible bacterial infection that needs to be treated to prevent further complications.
Step 3
Explain how this action by the gardener might lead to antibiotic resistance.
Answer
The gardener's decision to stop taking the antibiotic after five days, rather than completing the full course, can lead to antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are prematurely discontinued, some bacteria may survive the treatment. These surviving bacteria can develop resistance to the antibiotic, as they might have mutations or mechanisms that allow them to withstand its effects. If these resistant bacteria multiply, future infections could be harder to treat, potentially leading to widespread antibiotic resistance.