What methods do bacteria use to share antibiotic resistant genes?

Bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance genes from other bacteria in several ways. By undergoing a simple mating process called "conjugation," bacteria can transfer genetic material, including genes encoding resistance to antibiotics (found on plasmids and transposons) from one bacterium to another. read more

Resistance to one or more antibiotics, usually due to additional genetic information. Conjugation The one-way transfer of DNA between bacteria in cellular contact. read more

Bacteria do this by changing the permeability of their membranes or by reducing the number of channels available for drugs to diffuse through. Another strategy is to create the molecular equivalent of a club bouncer to escort antibiotics out the door if it gets in. Some bacteria use energy from ATP to power pumps that shoot antibiotics out of the cell. read more

Three mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Most, but not all, resistance mechanisms are encoded by plasmids, which are potentially transmissible to other bacteria. Clockwise. 12 o'clock: Efflux pumps are high-affinity reverse transport systems located in the membrane that transport the antibiotic out of the cell. read more