One way in which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics is through mutation. Bacteria have a high rate of mutation, allowing them to develop genetic changes that make them less susceptible to the effects of antibiotics. These mutations can occur spontaneously or can be induced by exposure to low levels of antibiotics over time.
Another way in which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics is through horizontal gene transfer. Bacteria have the ability to transfer genes between each other, allowing them to share genetic material that provides resistance to antibiotics. This can occur through processes such as conjugation, where a plasmid containing resistance genes is transferred from one bacterium to another. Horizontal gene transfer contributes to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.
(found online) What are two ways in which bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics?
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