Suggest how natural selection has increased the number of resistant bacteria strains in hospitals

Bacteria are cells which have natural genetic mutations, thus some bacteria will have advantageous mutations in their DNA. The use of antibiotics in hospitals create a selection pressure on the bacteria population. This means that most bacteria will be destroyed by antibiotics, but some bacteria with advantageous genetic mutations will survive. If a course of antibiotics is not completed, the surviving bacteria will be able to replicate (as competition from other bacteria has already been removed) and the prevalence of resistant bacteria increases. 

RC
Answered by Runzhi C. Biology tutor

3048 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell?


How do populations of bacteria develop antibiotic resistance?


What is the difference between the primary and secondary immune responses? (May be asked in the form of how to interpret a commonly used graph on the subject)


Question relating to human adaptations to cold environments: In a cold environment, humans use shivering as a method of keeping warm. Describe and explain the process of shivering.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences