Photo AI
Streptococcus pneumonia is a bacterium which causes pneumonia in humans and may show resistance to antibiotics - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 5
Streptococcus pneumonia is a bacterium which causes pneumonia in humans and may show resistance to antibiotics. a. How would antibiotic resistance have first occurr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Streptococcus pneumonia is a bacterium which causes pneumonia in humans and may show resistance to antibiotics - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
How would antibiotic resistance have first occurred in the Streptococcus pneumonia population?
Answer
Antibiotic resistance in the Streptococcus pneumonia population likely first occurred through mutation. Mutations can create genetic variations within the bacterial population, some of which may confer resistance to antibiotics. When antibiotics were introduced, the sensitive bacteria were killed, allowing the resistant mutants to survive and multiply.
Step 2
Explain how the increase in bacteria resistance to antibiotics has occurred.
Answer
The increase in antibiotic resistance is a result of natural selection. Sensitive bacteria were eliminated when antibiotics were used, while resistant bacteria survived and reproduced. This process ensures that the genetic traits for resistance are passed on to future generations. Over time, the frequency of resistant bacteria increases, making infections harder to treat.
Step 3
What is the selective agent associated with the increase in antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumonia?
Answer
The selective agent associated with the increase in antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumonia is antibiotics themselves. When antibiotics are used, they create a pressure that selects for bacteria that have resistance, allowing them to survive and proliferate.