# Describe how the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a danger to human health, and explain one way in which this danger can be reduced.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.6.3 Medicines and drugs · Describe · 4 marks

> Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, have become increasingly common in hospitals. Doctors are concerned that some bacterial infections may soon be impossible to treat.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria survive treatment / are not killed by antibiotics
2. Resistant bacteria reproduce / spread (to other people), making infections difficult or impossible to treat
3. One valid way to reduce the danger — e.g. only prescribe antibiotics when necessary / do not prescribe for viral infections
4. Explanation of why that method reduces the danger — e.g. fewer bacteria are exposed to antibiotics so there is less selection pressure for resistant strains to develop and increase in number

## Key terms

- [antibiotic-resistant bacteria](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria)
- [antibiotic](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/antibiotic)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-development-of-antibiotic-resistant-89e2d3d0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.