Q. Consider the following statements regarding the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria:

1. Bacteria can develop resistance due to mutations in their genes.
2. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria can arise through horizontal gene transfer.
3. 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.