Frequent treatment with antibiotics can result in resistant strains of bacteria, explain how.

A mutation can occur, causing the formation of an antibiotic resistant gene within a bacteria. This bacteria will then survive the course of antibiotics and reproduce, passing on the gene by vertical gene transmission. The antibiotic resistant gene is then passed to other bacteria through horizontal gene transmission.

HA
Answered by Hannah A. Biology tutor

8308 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Use the example of antibiotic resistant bacteria to explain directional selection.


Trypsin is a protease produced in an inactive form in some cells of the pancreas. Suggest the advantage of producing it in an inactive form?


How does the lock and key mechanism help enzymes to increase the rate of substrate reactions in the body?


What is the difference between a saturated and unsaturated fatty acid?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning