Final answer:
Bacteria are more susceptible to antibiotics due to their unique cell wall structure, which is targeted by these drugs. Antibiotic resistance arises through several mechanisms, making the cautious use of antibiotics crucial. While some bacteria cause diseases, many have beneficial roles in ecosystems and human health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, are more susceptible to injury or death from environmental agents like antibiotics because of differences in their cellular structures compared to eukaryotic cells. Antibiotics target specific parts of the bacterial cell, leveraging the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to achieve selective toxicity. For instance, many antibiotics inhibit cell wall synthesis, affecting the peptidoglycan layer which is unique to bacteria and essential for their survival. This interference makes the bacterial cell wall more susceptible to osmotic pressure, resulting in bacterial lysis.Antibiotic resistance is a significant issue, as some bacteria can survive the presence of antibiotics through various mechanisms such as modifying the drug, changing the drug's target, preventing drug entry, or pumping the drug out via efflux pumps. The ability of bacteria to rapidly respond to environmental changes and develop resistance requires the prudent use of antibiotics to prevent the propagation of resistant strains.
Importance of Bacteria : Despite the hazards of pathogenic bacteria, it's essential to recognize that not all microbes are harmful. Many prokaryotes perform vital roles in nutrient cycles like the nitrogen and carbon cycles, serve in the development and maintenance of our immune systems, and are used in food products through fermentation and other processes.