How Does Resistance to Drugs Spread in Bacterial Populations

Question

How does resistance to drugs spread in bacterial populations?
A) Exposure to drugs causes mutations in bacterial genes.
B) Horizontal gene transfer between bacteria spreads R (resistance) plasmids.
C) Genetic recombination during sexual reproduction.
D) Exposure to drugs induces immunity.
E) Exposure to drugs alters gene expression in bacteria.

Accepted Answer

Resistance to drugs spreads in bacterial populations through horizontal gene transfer between bacteria via R (resistance) plasmids. These plasmids carry genes that provide resistance to specific antibiotics, and they can be transferred between bacteria of the same or different species. This means that even bacteria that were previously sensitive to these antibiotics can quickly evolve resistance by acquiring R plasmids from other resistant bacteria.