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nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

A bacterial population is exposed to penicillin. Over time, the percentage of penicillin-resistant bacteria increases. How would Darwin’s theory explain this observation?

A. Penicillin induced mutations in individual bacteria to make them resistant.
B. The bacteria actively altered their cell wall proteins to block penicillin.
C. Pre-existing resistant mutant bacteria survived and reproduced while non-resistant bacteria died.
✓
D. The bacteria learned to metabolize penicillin as a source of carbon and nitrogen.

📝 Explanation

Under Darwinism, variation exists prior to environmental change. Penicillin acts as a selective agent, removing susceptible cells and allowing pre-existing resistant cells to populate.

📖 Additional Information

  • Penicillin induced mutations in individual bacteria to make them resistant.
  • The bacteria actively altered their cell wall proteins to block penicillin.
  • Pre-existing resistant mutant bacteria survived and reproduced while non-resistant bacteria died.
  • The bacteria learned to metabolize penicillin as a source of carbon and nitrogen.

Under Darwinism, variation exists prior to environmental change. Penicillin acts as a selective agent, removing susceptible cells and allowing pre-existing resistant cells to populate.

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