CH12 antiobiotic resistance

Question 1

Antibiotics

Answer 1

• interfere with metabolism of bacteria without affecting metabolism of healthy cells
• Works as a bacterium has a binding site for the drug and a metabolic pathway that is affected by the drug

Question 2

How does antibiotic resistance come about

Answer 2

• if random mutation occurs during reproduction that produces a bacteria not affected by antibiotic, this one is best fitted to survive and reproduce
• Passes on resistant gene to daughter cells

Question 3

MRSA

Answer 3

• carried by 30% of population on skin or in nose
• Can cause boils, abscesses and potentially fatal septicaemia
• Was treated by methicillin but is now resistant

Question 4

C.difficile

Answer 4

• bacterium in gut of 5% of population
• Produces toxins that damage lining of intestines, leading to diarrhoea bleeding and even death
• Commonly used antibiotics kill of healthy gut bacteria and it survives and reproduces rapidly

Question 5

How to reduce antibiotic resistant infections

Answer 5

• minimise use of antibiotics
• Ensure every course is completed
• Good hygiene

Question 6

How to solve problem of antibiotic resistance

Answer 6

• develop new antibiotics