Question
__________________________________________________________________________________________________7. Two students are discussing natural selection in bacteria and how it can relate to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Bernadette states that when antibiotics are used, bacteria can respond by developing traits to help them defeat the antibiotic, which then may increase their fitness. Dominique states that there is already a variety of traits among the bacteria. Bacteria that have traits that allow them to survive the antibiotic and reproduce may have higher fitness. Which individual's reasoning do you agree with more and why?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Both Bernadette and Dominique present valid points regarding natural selection in bacteria and antibiotic resistance, but Dominique's reasoning aligns more closely with the principles of evolution and natural selection.
Bernadette's assertion that bacteria "can respond by developing traits" may imply an active or intentional response to antibiotics, which misrepresents how natural selection works. Bacteria do not consciously develop traits in response to environmental pressures; rather, random mutations occur within the bacterial population over time. Some of these mutations may lead to traits that confer resistance to antibiotics, but this is a result of chance rather than a direct response to antibiotic use.
Dominique correctly highlights that there is already a variety of traits within the bacterial population. This genetic diversity means that some bacteria may inherently possess mutations that allow them to survive the effects of antibiotics. When antibiotics are applied, those bacteria with the advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, increasing their frequency in the population. This is a classic example of natural selection: the differential survival and reproduction of organisms based on their traits.
In summary, while both students discuss important concepts related to antibiotic resistance, Dominique’s approach accurately reflects the mechanisms of natural selection, emphasizing the pre-existing genetic variation among bacteria that influences their survival in the face of antibiotics.
Bernadette's assertion that bacteria "can respond by developing traits" may imply an active or intentional response to antibiotics, which misrepresents how natural selection works. Bacteria do not consciously develop traits in response to environmental pressures; rather, random mutations occur within the bacterial population over time. Some of these mutations may lead to traits that confer resistance to antibiotics, but this is a result of chance rather than a direct response to antibiotic use.
Dominique correctly highlights that there is already a variety of traits within the bacterial population. This genetic diversity means that some bacteria may inherently possess mutations that allow them to survive the effects of antibiotics. When antibiotics are applied, those bacteria with the advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, increasing their frequency in the population. This is a classic example of natural selection: the differential survival and reproduction of organisms based on their traits.
In summary, while both students discuss important concepts related to antibiotic resistance, Dominique’s approach accurately reflects the mechanisms of natural selection, emphasizing the pre-existing genetic variation among bacteria that influences their survival in the face of antibiotics.