Evolution of MRSA

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Biological evolution is defined as any genetic change in a population that is inherited over several, successive generations. (R.Bailey, 2014) The changes accumulate and over time a new species is created. One of the basic mechanisms of evolution is Natural Selection. Natural Selection is random genetic variation occurring within an organisms DNA and the beneficial mutations being preserved because they aid survival. (C.Darwin, 1859) Two notable scientists associated with the theory of evolution include Charles Darwin and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
Charles Darwin contributed majorly to the evolutionary theory and was the first to consider the concept of natural selection. The evolutionary theory states that evolutionary change comes through the production of genetic variation in each generation and survival of individuals with different combinations of these characters. Individuals with characteristics which increase their probability of survival will have more opportunities to reproduce and their offspring will also benefit from the heritable, advantageous characteristic. So over time these variants will spread through the population. (S.Montgomery, 2009)
A prime example of natural selection is the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In a given population of bacteria, there may be some that carry a short segment of DNA coding for a protein which is resistant to a given antibiotic. If that population now encounters that antibiotic, there is a major selective pressure - those bacteria that do not have the antibiotic resistance gene will die. The only ones that will survive will be the ones carrying that gene. Therefore, those remaining antibiotic resistant specimens will be able to reproduce, passing along the antibiotic ...

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...ntibiotics, which is incorrect.
It is distinct that Darwin’s theory is more suited to the evolution of MRSA as it involves concepts of Natural Selection. Methicillin resistant strands have a better chance of surviving and breeding whereas other non-resistant strands die off as they have a lower probability of survival. They adapt to mankind’s defences to generate more breeding grounds of MRSA in humans and animals to generate growth. Genetic variation does not have to occur randomly as plasmids can transfer segments of DNA to distantly related organisms.
Any inherited, genetic change in a population which takes place over several generations is defined as Biological evolution. Darwin and Lamarck have contributed majorly to the evolutionary theory. Although Lamarck’s theory was unsupported, he probably provided inspiration to Darwin and many other enthused scientists.

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