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3. a) Clostridium tetani is a bacterium that can be found in soil - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 3
3. a) Clostridium tetani is a bacterium that can be found in soil. It causes the infection tetanus. Children are vaccinated against tetanus. Explain why these child... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3. a) Clostridium tetani is a bacterium that can be found in soil - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why these children do not get tetanus if the bacteria enter their body through a cut in the skin.
Answer
Children do not get tetanus because they are vaccinated against the Clostridium tetani bacterium. The vaccination leads to the production of antibodies that recognize and fight the toxins produced by the bacteria. Additionally, the presence of these antibodies creates an immune memory, allowing the child's immune system to respond quickly and effectively if exposed to the bacteria in the future.
Step 2
Explain how these bacteria have become resistant to Colistin.
Answer
Bacteria can become resistant to Colistin through several mechanisms, including genetic mutations that alter the target site of the antibiotic, thereby reducing its effectiveness. Furthermore, bacteria can acquire resistance genes from other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, such as transformation or conjugation. In some cases, they may also modify their cell wall to prevent the antibiotic from entering the cell, thereby rendering Colistin ineffective.