Final answer:
The difference between beta-lactam resistant and susceptible bacteria lies in their A. genetic makeup and cell wall structure. Resistant bacteria possess mechanisms such as beta-lactamases, target mutations, and efflux pumps.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Beta-Lactam Resistant and Susceptible Bacteria
The main differences between bacteria that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and those that are susceptible lie in their genetic makeup and cell wall structure (A). Resistant bacteria can inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics through the production of beta-lactamases, which cleave the beta-lactam ring of these antibiotics. Others may alter the antibiotic's target site through mutations, particularly in the penicillin-binding proteins; modify their cell walls to prevent the antibiotic from entering; or actively remove the antibiotics from inside the cell using multidrug-resistance efflux pumps (MDR pumps).
Susceptible bacteria, on the other hand, lack these genetic adaptations and are unable to deactivate or remove the antibiotics, leading to their elimination when exposed to these drugs. The difference in resistance often arises due to spontaneous mutations or through the horizontal gene transfer of resistance traits between bacteria, which can occur via mechanisms like transformation, conjugation, or transduction.
Bacterial adaptation to toxic environments often involves the development of such resistance mechanisms, allowing them to survive despite the presence of antibiotics. This highlights the importance of understanding these mechanisms for developing new therapeutic strategies and for antibiotic stewardship to prevent the propagation of resistant bacteria.