3 ms·
There may be some cost to each resistance gained, reducing the fitness of the bacteria
by scaredginger 1y ago
There may be some cost to each resistance gained, reducing the fitness of the bacteria
- pfdietz 1y agoAnd there may be general resistance mechanisms that hit more than one chemical (like changes in membrane permeability and efflux pumps.) Over time, with more exposure, the costs can be expected to decline as resistance is optimized. Ultimately resistance can evolve that kicks in only on exposure to the chemicals in question. Bacteria already do this with, say, the enzyme needed to metabolize lactose. The gene isn't expressed until lactose is present.