A Population of Bacteria Is Not in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

question 35

Multiple Choice

A population of bacteria is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Through repeated exposure to an antibiotic, the frequency of the recessive allele is rapidly increasing. What is the most likely explanation for this response?

• A) The recessive allele is responsible for susceptibility of the bacteria to the antibiotic.
• B) The dominant allele is responsible for susceptibility of the bacteria to the antibiotic.
• C) The recessive allele is responsible for resistance of the bacteria to the antibiotic.
• D) The population is experiencing gene flow.
• E) The population is experiencing disruptive selection. The frequency increase in one allele shows a violation of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Since the recessive allele is increasing in response to antibiotic exposure a selective agent), this allele must be responsible for an adaptive phenotype, most likely antibiotic resistance.

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Definitions:

Germinal Period

The initial two weeks of prenatal development after conception, characterized by rapid cell division and the attachment of the zygote to the uterine wall.

Zygote's Outer Cells

The cells on the periphery of a zygote (the earliest embryonic stage) that contribute to the development of the placenta and other supporting structures for the embryo.

Implantation

The process, beginning about 10 days after conception, in which the developing organism burrows into the uterus, where it can be nourished and protected as it continues to develop.

Fetus Survival

The viability or ability of a fetus to live outside the uterus, which may depend on gestational age, fetal health, and medical technology.