1 How do mutations lead to resistance?
A bacterium can acquire antibiotic resistance through genetic mutations which are permanent changes in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence that makes up a gene . Perhaps the best example of acquisition of resistance by mutation is Mycobacterium tuberculosis where resistance to all therapeutic agents is caused by mutation.
So how does altering the sequence of a bacteria’s DNA result in antibiotic resistance? The answer lies in how genetic information, encoded by DNA, is converted into proteins which are required for the structure and function of bacteria.
Optional activity: What do genes do?
If you are unfamiliar with the terms DNA, RNA, base pair, gene, amino acid or protein, you may want to try our free OpenLearn course What do genes do? before you begin the following sections.
OpenLearn - Understanding antibiotic resistance
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