What gives rise to antibiotic resistance?

Key pointsVARIATION: A population of bacteria aren't all identical, even having all derived from a single bacterium. Rapid genetic exchange gives rise to mutations. SELECTION PRESSURE: By adding the selectively toxic antibiotic, you select for genes which are protective against the drug (consider 'the inverse selection) (specific examples such as penicillin beta lactamase enzymes)SURVIVABILITYREPRODUCABILIY = 'pass genes on' to the next generationMain causes of antibiotic resistance?How can we mitigate the effects?How can we measure the allele frequency?

AS
Answered by Aman S. Biology tutor

2815 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is osmosis and how does it differ from what I learned at GCSE about diffusion


How should I revise?


What is an enzyme? Can you provide an example of an enzyme found in plants and describe its function? (4 marks)


This question is on meiosis: Variation occurs during meiosis, give the two ways this happens (include the phases where it occurs) (4 marks)


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