Biology

Question

A laboratory population of bacteria is exposed to antibiotics in an experiment as shown in

the diagram.

Mutant bacteria

Add antibiotics

Growth of bacteria over time

Which statement best describes the significance of mutations for this bacterial population?

(B.6E, B.2E)

A A mutation causes a disease in the bacterial population.

B The mutation is not passed on to subsequent generations.

C The mutation can allow bacteria to survive with antibiotics.

D The mutation allows the bacteria to thrive without antibiotics.

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Biology EOC • Unit 2 Mechanisms of Genetics

Answer

C. The mutation can allow bacteria to survive with antibiotics.

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The exposure of antibiotics to the bacterial population creates a selective pressure that favors the survival of bacteria with mutations that confer resistance to the antibiotics. Mutations...