Question

Why is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) methicillin resistant?

A. It produces a modified penicillin binding protein (PBP) target molecule that is not effectively inhibited by the drug.
B. It actively pumps the antibiotic out of the cell.
C. The bacteria are able to prevent entry of the drug into the cell.
D. It has an enzyme that destroys methicillin.

Answer 1

MRSA is methicillin resistant because it produces a modified penicillin binding protein (PBP) target molecule that is not effectively inhibited by the drug.

Step-by-step explanation:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is resistant to methicillin because it produces a modified penicillin binding protein (PBP) target molecule that is not effectively inhibited by the drug. This modified PBP prevents the drug from binding and inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is the mechanism of action of methicillin and other ß-lactam antibiotics. As a result, MRSA is able to survive and multiply in the presence of methicillin and other similar antibiotics.

Answer 2

A

Step-by-step explanation:

It produces a modified version of the molecule that is targeted by the drug i.e It produces a modified penicillin binding protein (PBP) target molecule that is not effectively inhibited by the drug.