Question

An example of vertical gene transfer of antibiotic resistance is the

a. development of vancomycin resistance via the acquisition of an Enterococcus resistance gene

b. uptake of beta-lactamase genes by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

c. development of antibiotic resistance via ribosomal mutation.

d. transduction of an antibiotic resistance cassette from one strain of MRSA to another.

e. transfer of conjugative plasmids carrying resistances genes from one strain to another.

Answer 1

Development of antibiotic resistance through vertical gene transfer is the transfer of mutated genes responsible for antibiotic resistance from parent to offspring. In the given option, development of antibiotic resistance via ribosomal mutation is the only example of antibiotic resistance gained by vertical gene transfer while other options a, b, d and e are resulting from horizontal gene transfer mechanisms such as conjugation, transduction and transformation where the antibiotic genes are transferred from one individual to other by means of sex pili, virus and intake of exogenous genetic material where the two individuals doesn't have any parent-offspring relationship.

Answer: c. development of antibiotic resistance via ribosomal mutation