Ongoing Evolution as Illustrated by Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

• Evolution is a continual process, made evident by phenomena such as antibiotic resistance in bacteria. • Bacteria can evolve rapidly due to their short generation times and high mutation rates. • Antibiotics are substances used to kill bacteria; however, with repeated exposure, some bacteria can develop resistance. • When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, those which are resistant survive and reproduce, while the non-resistant bacteria die off. • This phenomenon is an example of natural selection, with the resistant bacteria being the ‘fittest’ in this context. • As resistant bacteria reproduce, the frequency of the resistance gene increases within the bacterial population. • Overuse and misuse of antibiotics accelerates the process of antibiotic resistance. • The rise of antibiotic resistance illustrates the importance of adapting treatment strategies, with research ongoing into developing new antibiotics and exploring alternatives. • Antibiotic resistance is a major global health concern, making previously treatable infections more difficult to treat. • This topic shows how principles of evolution are not just academic but have real-world applications and implications.