An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the development of antibiotic resistance in a strain of bacteria - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2002 - Paper 1

The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria typically involves a series of stages, beginning with mutations that confer resistance. These mutations can arise from various factors, including environmental pressures such as ultraviolet radiation. Once a mutation occurs, those bacteria that possess this advantageous trait (resistance) are more likely to survive and reproduce, a process known as natural selection. Therefore, the correct sequence of events in the development of the new strain of bacteria that was resistant to antibiotic S is:

• Mutation: Bacteria undergo genetic changes that may result in antibiotic resistance.
• Natural Selection: Bacteria with resistance survive while those without are eliminated by the antibiotic.

Thus, the correct answer is (C) Mutation → Natural Selection → Replication, which identifies that mutations lead to resistance, followed by natural selection favoring these resistant strains.