How can a single antibiotic resistance be exhibited by a microorganism?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how a microorganism can exhibit resistance to a single antibiotic. It provides multiple choice options that suggest different mechanisms by which this resistance may occur, and we need to analyze which one accurately reflects the phenomenon.
Answer
Mutation and selection allow microorganisms to exhibit antibiotic resistance.
A microorganism can exhibit single antibiotic resistance through genetic mutation and selection, which enables it to either inactivate the antibiotic or efflux pumps that expel the antibiotic before it can affect the cell.
Answer for screen readers
A microorganism can exhibit single antibiotic resistance through genetic mutation and selection, which enables it to either inactivate the antibiotic or efflux pumps that expel the antibiotic before it can affect the cell.
More Information
Antibiotic resistance in microorganisms can be natural or acquired. It often spreads rapidly because resistant genes can be easily shared between bacteria, not only through mutation but also through horizontal gene transfer such as conjugation.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming all mutations lead to resistance. Only specific mutations that confer a survival advantage in the presence of antibiotics contribute to this resistance.
Sources
- Antibiotic Resistance - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Antibiotic resistance, or how bacteria become resistant - pasteur.fr
- Antimicrobial resistance - World Health Organization (WHO) - who.int
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