Humans developed antibiotics to fight bacterial infections. However, some antibiotics are no longer effective in killing the bacteria they once killed. How does the theory of evolution explain this?

Question

anonymous · Answer

A. The antibiotics mutated the bacteria, which allowed resistance to develop.
B. After being exposed to the antibiotic, individual bacteria acquired the ability to resist the antibiotic.
C. Genetic variation in bacterial made it possible for some individuals to have resistance to the antibiotic, survive, and reproduce.
D. The antibiotic mutated to an ineffective form.

anonymous · Answer

C is the correct answer: Some bacteria are naturally resistant to some antibiotics, so these bacteria will survive and pass down the genes for drug resistance (likely in plasmids)

A is incorrect because antibiotics do not mutate bacteria in this way. If they did mutate it, it would not be to pass on resistance
B is incorrect (but very close!), these bacteria would not be able to survive if they did not have the resistance in the first place
D is incorrect (and the worst choice) because antibiotics do not 'mutate'. Genetic information mutates, but not individual molecules that are non-living

anonymous · Answer

Thanks @Neuronerd

anonymous · Answer

:) no problem, let me know if I can help with other questions. Got to go for now!