Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 7: Natural Selection/Question
AP Biologymediummcq1 pt

Why is it misleading to say that antibiotic exposure directs bacteria to produce the resistance mutations they need?

A.Mutations arise without regard to whether they will be useful, while antibiotics preferentially allow resistant variants to survive and reproduce
B.Bacteria cannot mutate
C.Antibiotics strengthen bacteria
D.Resistance is not heritable

Explanation

Core Concept

Antibiotics do not instruct bacteria to make a specific adaptive mutation. Genetic variants arise without regard to the organism's current need, and treatment changes which variants survive and reproduce. Resistant variants may already be present before treatment or can arise during population growth, but selection—not foresight—drives their increase.

Correct Answer

AMutations arise without regard to whether they will be useful, while antibiotics preferentially allow resistant variants to survive and reproduce

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