Evidence for Evolution: Resistant Bacteria

• What should you be able to describe by the end of the video?

  How bacteria become resistant to antibiotics
• What is the significance of fossils in evolution?

  They show how different species evolved over time
• How quickly can bacteria reproduce under ideal conditions?

  Every 30 minutes
• Why can bacteria evolve rapidly?

  Because they reproduce at a fast rate
• What antibiotic was first used to treat bacterial diseases in the 1940s?

  Penicillin
• What do antibiotics do to bacteria?

  They kill bacteria
• How are antibiotics used in farming?

  To prevent animals from developing bacterial diseases
• What is a common strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

  MRSA
• What happens to bacteria when an antibiotic is used?

  All bacteria are killed except resistant ones
• What is the consequence of antibiotic-resistant strains spreading?

  People are not immune and lack effective treatment
• What are three ways to reduce antibiotic resistance?

  • Avoid inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions
  • Complete the full course of antibiotics
  • Restrict the use of antibiotics in farming
• Why should doctors avoid prescribing antibiotics inappropriately?

  Because antibiotics have no effect on viruses
• Why is it important for patients to complete their course of antibiotics?

  To ensure all bacteria are killed
• What is a challenge in developing new antibiotics?

  It takes a long time and is expensive
• Why is it unlikely to keep up with antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

  New resistant bacteria emerge all the time
• What resource can help with questions on antibiotic resistance?

  • Revision workbook available through a link