- View more resources from this publisher
Wellcome Trust
Tooltip
These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
The X Bacteria
In this practical protocol students investigate one way in which bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance through conjugation - horizontal gene transfer from one bacterial strain or species to another.
Plasmid-mediated evolution is fast because whole functional ‘modules’ are lost and gained, rather than the gradual process of mutation and selection that is more commonly encountered in the chromosomal DNA. Plasmids often carry genes which impart the ability to withstand antibiotic action. Conjugation is therefore an important means by which antibiotic resistance is spread between bacteria.
This investigation takes place over three lessons and it also presents opportunities for preparatory and follow-up tasks.
The Survival Rivals resources were produced by the Wellcome Trust.
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
Downloads
Show downloads
Download all files as a .zip5.17 MB
Information on the permitted use of this resource is covered by the Category Three Content section in STEM Learning’s Terms and conditions.
