Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics through several mechanisms. One common way is through genetic mutations that occur naturally in bacterial populations, allowing them to survive in the presence of antibiotics. Additionally, bacteria can acquire resistance genes from other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, such as through plasmids or transposons. This transfer of resistance genes can occur within the same bacterial species or between different species. Over time, repeated exposure to antibiotics can select for resistant bacteria, leading to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This resistance can also be further spread through the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, promoting the survival of resistant bacteria and limiting the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating infections.
