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

3172 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how heart action is coordinated with reference to the SAN, AVN, and Purkyne Tissue, and explain the importance of the valves within the heart (8 marks)


What bonds are present in each type of structure of a protein?


When is Chi-squared the most appropriate statistical test to use?


Explain what are the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of a protein


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning