9F Evolving Pathogens

Question 1

Steps of Antibiotic Resistance

Answer 1

When asked about the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, just like questions regarding the
process of natural selection, you simply need to follow the same basic answer structure – (1) outline
that variation exists, (2) identify the presence of a new selection pressure (exposure to antibiotic), (3)
identify the group that is conferred an advantage, and (4) highlight the increased heritability of the
antibiotic-resistant alleles via bacterial conjugation.

Question 2

What is antigenic drift

Answer 2

Small and gradual mutations in the gene sncoding for viral surfaces antigns, which causes a new subtype of virus

Question 3

What is Antigenic shift

Answer 3

Sudden and significant mutations in the genes encoding for viral surfaces antigens via viral recombination

Question 4

Which Virus are more likely to undrgo mutations RNA or DNA

Answer 4

RNA
Since RNA does not have the function of proofreading its genetic material after transcription allowing for more frequent mutations within the virus causing an increased likelyhood of spread