Bacteria with resistance genes survive antibiotic use and multiply, making resistance more common.
Within a population some bacteria have mutations or plasmids conferring resistance. An antibiotic kills susceptible cells, so survivors reproduce and pass on the resistance. Overuse, incomplete courses and agricultural use accelerate selection. Resistance can spread between species by horizontal gene transfer.
MRSA and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis are serious examples.
Bacteria with resistance genes survive antibiotic use and multiply, making resistance more common.
Antibiotic Resistance Evolution is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Horizontal Gene Transfer, Evolution of Sex, Allopatric Speciation.
The WHO regards antimicrobial resistance as a major global threat, so stewardship is vital.
Antibiotic Resistance Evolution is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Evolution that pair well with it include Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin.
The closest topics to Antibiotic Resistance Evolution are Horizontal Gene Transfer, Evolution of Sex, Allopatric Speciation, Natural Selection. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Antibiotic Resistance Evolution. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Antibiotic Resistance Evolution: Bacteria with resistance genes survive antibiotic use and multiply, making resistance more common. Horizontal Gene Transfer: Movement of genes between unrelated organisms, important in bacterial evolution. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Horizontal Gene Transfer and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Movement of genes between unrelated organisms, important in bacterial evolution.
🦎 EvolutionHypotheses explain why sexual reproduction persists despite its costs, including the Red Queen and mutation clearance.
🦎 EvolutionSpeciation after a geographic barrier separates populations, as with Darwin's finches on separate islands.
🦎 EvolutionIndividuals with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more, passing those traits on.
🦎 Evolution