Bacterial Resistance

How does Antibiotic Resistance Transfer occur (Horizontal)?

Resistance genes transferred between bacteria of same/different species via plasmids (conjugation), viral phages (transduction), or uptake of genes from dead bacteria (transformation).

How does Antibiotic Resistance Transfer occur (Vertical)?

Resistance traits inherited from one generation to another through binary fission. Mutations over generations can be advantageous.

What is Multi-Drug Resistance?

Increasing incidence of diseases with renewed virulence due to antibiotics losing their power and encouraging difficult-to-treat infections.

How do Germs Develop New Processes for Resistance?

Germs develop new cell processes that avoid using the antibiotic's target.

How do Germs Change or Destroy Antibiotics?

Germs change or destroy the antibiotics with enzymes, proteins that break down the drug.

How do Germs Restrict Access to Antibiotics?

Germs restrict access by changing the entryways or limiting the number of entryways.

How do Germs Change Antibiotic's Target?

Germs change the antibiotic's target so the drug can no longer fit and do its job.

How do Germs Get Rid of Antibiotics?

Germs get rid of antibiotics using pumps.

Define Conjugation in the context of antibiotic resistance.

Resistance genes can be transferred between bacteria of the same or different species via plasmids.

Define Transduction in the context of antibiotic resistance.

Resistance genes are transferred from one bacteria to another via viral phages

Define Transformation in the context of antibiotic resistance.

Resistance genes released from live or dead bacteria are picked up by another

Define Vertical Evolution in the context of antibiotic resistance

Resistance traits are inherited from one generation to another. bacteria undergoing binary fission (the way in which bacteria reproduce). Over many generations/cloning of the bacteria, mutations occur. It is by chance that some of these mutations are advantageous for the bacteria.