For this week’s “Weekly Assignment”, we will explore the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens and how they represent a significant global health challenge. Genetic variation facilitating resistance has manifested through mutational and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. This weekly activity will explore these mechanisms in the context of specific antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Through this activity, you will demonstrate an understanding of how bacterial genetics, mutation, and horizontal gene transfer have contributed to the formidable problem of antibiotic resistance. You will research and analyze specific mechanisms and real-world examples while evaluating potential solutions from a scientific perspective.
Some bacteria evolve antibiotic resistance through the accumulation of spontaneous mutations that modify the cellular targets of antibiotics. This is referred to as “mutation-derived” antibiotic resistance. In many other cases, antibiotic resistance spreads rapidly due to the horizontal transfer of genes between bacterial cells and species.
- Choose a specific antibiotic and provide a real-world example of a bacterial strain that has developed resistance to that antibiotic through the accumulation of spontaneous mutations. Discuss in a few sentences how the mutations have conferred resistance.
- Identify a specific mobile genetic element (e.g., plasmid, transposon) that carries antibiotic-resistance genes. Explain in a few sentences which mode of horizontal gene transfer (transformation, conjugation, or transduction) has enabled this genetic element to disseminate antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.
- In a few sentences, investigate and discuss a strategy that could help reduce mutation-derived antibiotic resistance OR a policy change that could prevent or limit the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.
The key points are to provide specific examples highlighting mutation vs horizontal gene transfer as mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and evaluate potential solutions targeting one of those mechanisms.
Rubic:
1. Identify an antibiotic-resistant bacteria whose resistance emerged due to mutational change.
2. Describe the relationship between mutation change and its antibiotic resistance gene.
3. Identify an antibiotic-resistant genetic element (gene, plasmid, or transposon) that spread among bacteria using one of the three horizontal gene transfer processes discussed in the chapter. ( i will send chapter info over soon)
4. Describe their antibiotic-resistant genetic element (gene, plasmid, or transposon) that spreads among bacteria using one of the three horizontal gene transfer processes discussed in class.
5. Describe a strategy or policy that could help antibiotic resistance and its spread through either mutation or horizontal gene transfer.