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

2997 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the differences between mitosis and meiosis and when would these occur in mammalian cells?


Using the nitrogen cycle, explain how nitrogen from the atmosphere is converted into nitrates


Describe the events of translation in DNA to produce mRNA


Describe the similarities and differences between haemoglobin and collagen.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences