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Figure [A] shows various ways in which antibiotics work (“antibiotic targets”) and ways in which resistance may be generated. Antibiotics work by interfering with enzymes involved in forming the cell walls, nucleic acid metabolism and protein synthesis, or by disrupting membrane structure, for example. Resistance mechanisms include reducing the amount of antibiotic taken up or increasing the amount expelled, producing non-sensitive enzymes, changes (“mutations”) to the target site, or changes to the antimicrobial itself.
Fig [A]: Antibiotic targets and mechanisms of resistance.
Source: Wright, GD, 2010 https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7007-8-123
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I would suggest re-write the section below:
Acquired resistance is part of evolution. A major acquisition mechansims is supposed to result from bacteria exposure to a selective pressure agent against which bacteria will take advantage to be resistant. Therefore, acquired acquired resistance transforms an once susceptible becterium into a resistant one, and those that are resistant tolerate the pressure better than those that are not, and go on to parent successive generations. For urban waste water treatment, microorganisms provide an important ecosystem service at the treatment plant. Able to resist the range of pollutants that enter, they can break down the organic matter in the effluent. As antimicrobials form part of that influent, it is supposed that they can cause some microorganisms to resist the bactericidal action. Once developed, resistance genes can be transferred between microorganisms, though in the environment there selection is probably the most important mechanisms for propagation.