# Explain how the use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a population.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 3.1 Health and disease · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Some bacteria in the population have a mutation / genetic variation that makes them resistant to the antibiotic
2. When antibiotic is used, non-resistant bacteria are killed
3. The resistant bacteria survive and reproduce / pass on the resistance to offspring
4. Over time the proportion of resistant bacteria in the population increases / natural selection favours the resistant bacteria

## Key terms

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

## Related

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-use-of-antibiotics-15738823) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.