Question

describe the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance and how it develops in bacterial populations over time.

Explanation:

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to antibiotic use. Random mutations in bacterial DNA can confer resistance. When antibiotics are used, non - resistant bacteria are killed, but resistant ones survive and reproduce. Over time, through natural selection, the proportion of resistant bacteria in the population increases. Also, bacteria can share resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer such as conjugation, transformation, and transduction.

Answer:

Antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations develops through genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer. When antibiotics are applied, resistant bacteria survive and multiply, increasing their prevalence over time.