Final answer:
The mutation of mec to mecA results in the production of a mutated penicillin-binding protein that causes resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics, leading to conditions such as MRSA.
Step-by-step explanation:
When mec is mutated to mecA, it leads to the production of a mutated form of penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a or PBP2') that has a low affinity for ß-lactam antibiotics. This mutation is significant as it makes the pathogen, specifically methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resistant to all ß-lactams, which includes a wide range of antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins. The mecA gene is a defining feature of MRSA, leading to challenges in treatment due to the resistance it confers.