Why is it becoming more difficult to treat bacterial infections with antibiotics?

Due to random mutations occurring in bacterial DNA during replication of bacteria, a new strain of resistant bacteria is formed, which is capable of breaking down the antibiotic, so the infection is not cured. As a result, another antibiotic has to be used. But over the years, the number of antibiotics that can cure infections are decreasing due to increased antibiotic resistance from bacteria, and new antibiotics take years to develop, whereas mutations happen much faster. This resistance is as a result of the overprescription of antibiotics.

Answered by Tanvi M. Biology tutor

1814 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how Giraffes may have evolved to have long necks.


Describe the process of speciation.


How do enzymes work and what would be the effects of an increasing temperature on an enzyme controlled reaction?


Guard cells open and close stoma in different conditions. When light intensity is high, potassium ions move into guard cells. Describe how this movement of potassium ions causes the stoma to open.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences