A parent bacterial cell is able to survive in the presence of the antibiotic penicillin. Subsequent generations from this parent will be _______ penicillin.(1 point)

resistant to

To determine whether subsequent generations of bacterial cells will be resistant or sensitive to penicillin, we need to understand the mechanism of resistance. Bacterial resistance to penicillin often involves the acquisition of a gene that produces an enzyme called beta-lactamase. This enzyme deactivates penicillin, preventing it from exerting its antibacterial effects.

In the case of the parent bacterial cell being able to survive in the presence of penicillin, it suggests that the parent cell possesses the gene coding for beta-lactamase.

Therefore, subsequent generations of bacterial cells will likely be resistant to penicillin if they inherit the gene responsible for producing beta-lactamase from the parent bacterial cell.