How does anti-biotic resistance occur?

Anti-biotic resistance is a growing problem for humans now, exacerbated by the overuse and over reliance on anti-biotics. Bacteria colonies have genetic variation amongst the individuals which means they react differently to the anti-biotic, some may have resistance. When anti-biotics are used, the bacteria without resistance die, leaving a few  alive, mostly the resistant ones remaining but with some lucky non resistant ones too. As they now have much more resources such as food and space, they can reproduce at a faster rate and the population now has a higher proportion of the bacteria with resistant alleles. With continued anti-biotic use, the allele frequency for the resistant allele will increase until all bacteria contain it. 

X(
Answered by Xiaofan (Sophie) W. Biology tutor

3321 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What does osmosis mean and what does the movement of water do to cells?


Explain how bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.


Describe the similarities and differences between animal and plant cells and the function of each component found in them.


Describe two ways in which nervous communication differs from hormonal communication


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