Cellular Structures and Functions that Aid in Resistance Among Bacteria

Abstract

Recently scientists have been studying bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This is a vital issue because numerous bacteria are becoming resistant to many of the more successful drugs that we have available today to fight the presence of bacterial infections. Bacteria are quickly building a tolerance against these medications because of how often humans overuse them. Now microbiologists are attempting to target the specific cellular structures and functions that are allowing these creatures the ability to withstand the toxins that are usually fatal to them. Studies have shown that the resistance that certain bacteria exhibit arises from genetic mutations. Phenotypic heterogeneity is different mutations in the same gene that give rise to completely different disorders. Scientists are currently experimenting with different bacteria and their genes to see if there are any activities that may cause these mutations.