A bacterium is found that is resistant to the antibiotic gentamicin.The bacterium was isolated in a hospital where patients were routinely given gentamicin for a variety of infections.What was the pressure that selected for this resistant population?
A)Presence of gentamicin in the environment.
B)High mutation rate for the bacterium.
C)Growth situation for the bacterium.
D)Patients not receiving antibiotic provided source of bacteria.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of gentamicin in the hospital environment created a selective pressure for the bacterium to evolve resistance. Only the bacteria that were able to develop a resistance to the antibiotic were able to survive and reproduce, leading to the emergence of an antibiotic-resistant population. The other options (B, C, and D) do not provide a clear explanation for why the bacterium developed resistance to gentamicin in this particular environment.

A Bacterium Is Found That Is Resistant to the Antibiotic