A nursing student asks a nurse to clarify the differences between the mechanisms of spontaneous mutation and conjugation in acquired resistance of microbes. What will the nurse say?
A) Conjugation results in a gradual increase in resistance.
B) Conjugation results in random changes in the microbe's DNA.
C) Spontaneous mutation leads to resistance to only one antimicrobial agent.
D) Spontaneous mutation can transfer DNA from one organism to another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spontaneous mutation generally confers resistance to only one drug. Conjugation can occur quickly; spontaneous mutation is gradual. Spontaneous mutation is random; conjugation is not. Conjugation can occur with the transfer of DNA from one organism to another.

A Nursing Student Asks a Nurse to Clarify the Differences