Acquired mechanisms of resistance are those that
A) are passed on from one bacteria to the next using pili.
B) are the result of a frameshift mutation in chromosomal DNA.
C) result from acquisition of DNA by acquisition of extrachromosomal DNA.
D) passed on from generation to generation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acquired mechanisms of resistance occur when bacteria acquire DNA through horizontal gene transfer, such as plasmids, transposons, or bacteriophages, which contain resistance genes. This is different from mutations within the chromosomal DNA (option B) or passing traits from one generation to the next (option D). While pili can facilitate the transfer of plasmids, it is not the mechanism of resistance itself (option A).

Acquired Mechanisms of Resistance Are Those That