# Explain why the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious concern for human health.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.6.3 Medicines and drugs · Explain · 4 marks

> Antibiotic resistance is increasingly reported in hospitals and communities worldwide. Some strains of bacteria, such as MRSA, are resistant to many commonly used antibiotics.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Bacteria can mutate / mutations occur in bacteria
2. Resistant bacteria survive and reproduce / are not killed by the antibiotic, passing on resistance to offspring
3. Antibiotics can no longer be used to treat infections caused by resistant strains / the antibiotic is ineffective against resistant bacteria
4. Infections become harder to treat / may be fatal / spread more easily because fewer effective treatments are available

## Key terms

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

## 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-why-the-development-of-antibiotic-resistant-d02b6309) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.