Question

Most Staphlyococcus aureus (staph bacteria) are resistant to penicillin. Using your knowledge of natural selection, explain step by step how this resistance formed.

Answer 1

I'd probably guess that its hereditary - a result of so many years of adaptation.

Answer 2

But that is simply my conjecture, nothing more.

Answer 3

Thanks, I think its a bit complicated :D

Answer 4

i concur with that

Answer 5

So many years !!

Answer 6

Hello @monazabihian !

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Answer 7

Initially we all know that penicillin was too effective on staphs. But now its not. The reason is indeed natural selection. Lets see how

Answer 8

Hiii, thank you !

Answer 9

Staphs reproduce by two methods, asexually and sexually by spore formation. Now this sexual reproduction allows the bacteria to produce daughters with some variations.

Answer 10

Suppose in the process a daughter bacterium was formed which had penicilin resistance (due to variation as a result of sexual repro)

Answer 11

Now what will happen ?

Answer 12

Since this new bacterium is better adapted to survive in the changed environment i.e environment full of penicillin, it will be naturally selected and this trait will be passed on to the progeny

Answer 13

Gradually all the bacteria without this trait will die and only those with this trait will survive

Answer 14

This process takes many years in the case of animals but is completed in relative shorter interval of time in bacteria because there life cycle is too short

Answer 15

Mr. Know-It-All.