Q. Consider the following statements regarding the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria: - Bacteria can develop resistance due to mutations in their genes.
- Antibiotic resistance in bacteria can arise through horizontal gene transfer.
- Vertical gene transfer is a significant mechanism for spread of antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer:
1 and 2 only
Notes: Antibiotic resistance in bacteria mainly develops through random mutations and horizontal gene transfer, enabling resistance genes to spread rapidly between bacteria. Statement 3 is incorrect because vertical gene transfer involves genetic material passed from parent to offspring, not between existing bacteria, and doesn't primarily drive antibiotic resistance spread.