Answer:
Antibiotic resistance can spread through a bacterial population in several steps:
Mutation: Initially, within a population of bacteria, random mutations occur in the bacterial DNA. These mutations can sometimes lead to changes in the bacterial genes responsible for antibiotic susceptibility.
Selection: When an antibiotic is introduced into the environment, bacteria that possess the mutation conferring resistance have a survival advantage. They are able to withstand the antibiotic's effects and continue to grow and reproduce, while non-resistant bacteria may die off.
Reproduction: The resistant bacteria reproduce and pass on their resistant genes to their offspring through normal reproduction processes such as binary fission or conjugation.
Horizontal Gene Transfer: Bacteria also have the ability to transfer genetic material horizontally, meaning they can share genes with other bacteria even if they are not directly related. This allows for the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes between different bacterial species.
Dissemination: The resistant bacteria can then spread throughout various environments, including hospitals, communities, farms, and other settings where antibiotics are used. This dissemination can occur through direct contact between individuals, contaminated surfaces, air transmission, or the movement of infected individuals or animals.
Continued Exposure: As more and more bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, the overall population of resistant bacteria increases. This is exacerbated by factors such as overuse and misuse of antibiotics, inadequate infection control practices, and the presence of antibiotic residues in the environment.
These steps contribute to the spread and persistence of antibiotic resistance within bacterial populations, making it a significant global health concern. To address this issue, it is crucial to promote responsible antibiotic use, develop new antibiotics, implement effective infection control measures, and raise awareness about the proper management of bacterial infections.
Step-by-step explanation: