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

3218 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus of a cell


Cholera causes an influx of Chloride ions into the lumen of the bowel. How would this cause diarrhoea?


How is the liver adapted to regulating blood component concentrations?


How is blood glucose concentration regulated, with reference to insulin, glucagon and the liver?


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