A population of microorganisms can rapidly evolve to changes due to their short generation time, quick division rate and large population (Haney, Janice. 2008). As they multiply and die off, there will be some that undergo mutations allowing for more variation in the gene pool. However, not all mutations are beneficial, but those which acquire the gene which enables to best survive their surrounding will be favoured by Natural Selection and move on to reproduce. Staphylococcus aureus is one species of microbes which has demonstrated these abilities as they have evolved and adapted to either penicillin, Methicillin or Vancomycin in a short period of time. The process of survive can occur without pressure as resistant strains have been found in remote areas of the world (Stein, Richard A. 2011). However, when there is biological pressure, such as when exposed antibiotics, the process occurs at a faster rate. Microorganisms also have a unique ability to transfer DNA back and forth between one another, providing new genes. This is known as “lateral” or “horizontal: transfer. It is a procedure that can occur between bacterium that are not closely related. Through horizontal transfer, resistant strains can “share” their “immunity” with other microbes to create more superbugs. VRSA (Vancomycin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
A population of microorganisms can rapidly evolve to changes due to their short generation time, quick division rate and large population (Haney, Janice. 2008). As they multiply and die off, there will be some that undergo mutations allowing for more variation in the gene pool. However, not all mutations are beneficial, but those which acquire the gene which enables to best survive their surrounding will be favoured by Natural Selection and move on to reproduce. Staphylococcus aureus is one species of microbes which has demonstrated these abilities as they have evolved and adapted to either penicillin, Methicillin or Vancomycin in a short period of time. The process of survive can occur without pressure as resistant strains have been found in remote areas of the world (Stein, Richard A. 2011). However, when there is biological pressure, such as when exposed antibiotics, the process occurs at a faster rate. Microorganisms also have a unique ability to transfer DNA back and forth between one another, providing new genes. This is known as “lateral” or “horizontal: transfer. It is a procedure that can occur between bacterium that are not closely related. Through horizontal transfer, resistant strains can “share” their “immunity” with other microbes to create more superbugs. VRSA (Vancomycin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)