AQA GCSE FOUNDATION Biology: Antibiotics and Resistance

Antibiotics and Resistance: A Foundation Biology Tutorial

Introduction:

Antibiotics are powerful medications that fight bacterial infections. They are a vital part of modern medicine, saving countless lives. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to a growing challenge: antibiotic resistance. This means that bacteria are evolving to become less susceptible to the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

How Antibiotics Work:

Antibiotics work by targeting specific processes essential for bacterial survival. These processes include:

• Inhibiting cell wall synthesis: Antibiotics like penicillin prevent bacteria from building their cell walls, leading to their destruction.
• Interfering with protein synthesis: Some antibiotics block the ribosomes in bacteria, preventing the production of proteins necessary for life.
• Disrupting DNA replication: Antibiotics can interfere with the copying of bacterial DNA, preventing their reproduction.

The Rise of Antibiotic Resistance:

Antibiotic resistance occurs through the process of natural selection. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, those with mutations that make them less susceptible to the drug's effects are more likely to survive and reproduce. These resistant bacteria then pass on their resistance genes, leading to the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Factors Contributing to Antibiotic Resistance:

• Overuse of antibiotics: Prescribing antibiotics for viral infections, which they cannot treat, contributes to resistance.
• Misuse of antibiotics: Not completing a full course of antibiotics allows resistant bacteria to survive and multiply.
• Use of antibiotics in agriculture: Antibiotics are used in animal farming to promote growth and prevent disease, leading to the spread of resistance.

Consequences of Antibiotic Resistance:

• Increased treatment difficulty: Infections become harder to treat, requiring stronger antibiotics or longer treatment periods.
• Increased healthcare costs: Treating resistant infections is more expensive due to the need for specialized care and medications.
• Increased mortality rates: Infections that were once easily treatable can become life-threatening.

Preventing Antibiotic Resistance:

• Use antibiotics only when necessary: Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if antibiotics are the right treatment.
• Complete the full course of antibiotics: Don't stop taking antibiotics early, even if you feel better.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands regularly, avoid close contact with sick people, and disinfect surfaces.
• Support responsible antibiotic use in agriculture: Advocate for policies that limit antibiotic use in animal farming.

Conclusion:

Antibiotic resistance is a serious global health threat. Understanding how antibiotics work and the factors driving resistance is crucial for preventing its spread. By using antibiotics responsibly and promoting awareness about this issue, we can help safeguard the effectiveness of these life-saving medications for future generations.