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

DNA mutations happen randomly during division by mitosis. Some of these mutations code for antibiotic resistance. When a bacterial colony is exposed to antibiotics most bacteria without the resistance mutation will die - the antibiotics are a selection pressure. As a result, the bacteria with antibiotic resistence have a higher chance of surviving and dividing to create offspring. Over many generations, antibiotic resistance mutation will become more and more frequent - this is directional selection.

VP

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the role of the kidneys in osmoregulation?


Name the order of taxon classifications starting with domain and a key feature of each of the domains.


The events that take place during interphase and mitosis lead to the production of two genetically identical cells. Explain how.


What is the difference between haploid and diploid cells? (2 Marks)