How did antibiotics evolve?

How did antibiotics evolve?

Antibiotic resistance evolves naturally via natural selection through random mutation, but it could also be engineered by applying an evolutionary stress on a population. Once such a gene is generated, bacteria can then transfer the genetic information in a horizontal fashion (between individuals) by plasmid exchange.

How does bacteria evolve to become resistant to antibiotics?

Bacteria develop resistance mechanisms by using instructions provided by their DNA. Often, resistance genes are found within plasmids, small pieces of DNA that carry genetic instructions from one germ to another. This means that some bacteria can share their DNA and make other germs become resistant.

What factors influence the production of antibiotics?

Several abiotic factors such as oxygen, temperature, specific carbon and nitrogen sources, and microelements have been identified to influence antibiotic production by bacteria biocontrol agents.

Has role in the production of antibiotics?

Antibiotics are chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and are used to treat bacterial infections. They are produced in nature by soil bacteria and fungi.

Which bacteria is used in the production of antibiotics?

Most of the currently available antibiotics are produced by prokaryotes mainly by bacteria from the genus Streptomyces.

Which bacteria are used in the production of antibiotics?

Is the production of antibiotics a naturally occurring event?

Production of antibiotics is a naturally occurring event, that thanks to advances in science can now be replicated and improved upon in laboratory settings.

Why do fungi produce so many antibiotic drugs?

Fungi and antibiotics are both a kind of bacteria. So the reason behind fungi producing antibiotic is to compete and overpower the bacteria that is present in the dead matter with them.

What are modifications to the production of antibiotics?

Often modifications must be made to the antibiotics so that maximum efficiency is attained. Post-production modifications include making antibiotics aerosolized so as to bypass doing unnecessary damage to bacteria located in other parts of the body and instead going directly to the lungs.

How is industrial microbiology used to produce antibiotics?

Industrial microbiology can be used to produce antibiotics via the process of fermentation, where the source microorganism is grown in large containers (100,000–150,000 liters or more) containing a liquid growth medium. Oxygen concentration, temperature, pH and nutrient levels must be optimal, and are closely monitored and adjusted if necessary.