Question

Within a population of bacteria, some may have genes that give them resistance to antibiotics. If an antibiotic is introduced into their environment, the bacteria resistant to that particular antibiotic will survive and reproduce.
If a different antibiotic is used, different members of the population may survive due to a different resistance gene. The survival of the population in the presence of antibiotics depends on

• A. A large genome
• B. Genetic variation
• C. High reproductive rates
• D. Multiple chromosomes

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Genetic variation

Resistance to drug is a phenotype governed by a gene. As the gene undergoes changes so will the phenotype. That is variations due to modifications in the gene. Since they carry different phenotypes they will be resistant to different drugs

So, the correct answer is 'Genetic variation'