4.4 - Fossil Evidence for Human Evolution Flashcards
(10 cards)
What defines bacteria as resistant?
Bacteria are labelled resistant when they are not killed by antibiotics which previously were used as cures against them.
How do bacteria reproduce?
Bacteria reproduce at a fast rate.
What can mutations during reproduction result in?
Mutations during reproduction can result in new genes, such as the gene for antibiotic resistance, creating a new strain.
What is the effect of exposure to antibiotics on bacteria?
Exposure to antibiotics creates a selection pressure, as those with antibiotic resistant genes survive and those without die.
What happens to bacteria with antibiotic resistance?
Those with antibiotic resistance can reproduce and pass on the advantageous gene to their offspring.
How does the presence of resistant bacteria relate to natural selection?
The presence of these new, resistant bacteria supports Darwin’s theory of natural selection, as the new bacteria have been selected by the environment to have a feature (resistance) advantageous to survival.
What is the outcome of the increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria?
This population of antibiotic resistant bacteria increases.
Why do bacterial diseases spread rapidly?
Bacterial diseases spread rapidly because people are not immune to these new resistant bacteria and there is no treatment for it.
An example is MRSA.
What is MRSA commonly referred to as?
MRSA is called a ‘superbug’ as it is resistant to many different types of antibiotics.
Where is MRSA commonly found?
MRSA is common in hospitals and spreads when doctors and nurses move to different patients.
