If the Bacterium Staphylococcus Aureus Experiences a Cost for Maintaining

question 16

Multiple Choice

If the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus experiences a cost for maintaining one or more antibiotic-resistance genes, what would be most likely to happen in environments that lack antibiotics?

• A) These bacteria would maintain the antibiotic-resistance genes in case the antibiotics reappear.
• B) These bacteria would be outcompeted and replaced by bacteria that have lost the antibiotic resistance genes.
• C) These bacteria would try to make the cost worthwhile by locating and migrating to microenvironments where traces of antibiotics are present.
• D) These bacteria would increase the number of genes conveying antibiotic resistance.

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Definitions:

Variable Cost

Expenses that change in proportion to the activity of a business, such as costs for raw materials and labor directly tied to production output.

Variable Costs

Costs that vary directly with the level of production or sales volume.

Shutting Down

The process of ceasing operations or closing a business, often temporarily or permanently, due to various reasons such as financial difficulties or strategic decisions.

Going Out of Business

The process of closing down all operations of a company, often due to financial troubles or bankruptcy.