Page 103 - The Microworld Miracle

then makes genetic changes in those sites that the antibiotics will af-
fect. For example, it may begin producing new molecules that affect
its cell membrane. Thus in subsequent encounters, the antibiotics
will meet resistance from these freshly manufactured molecules
and be unable to affect the cell wall.
Another conscious strategy is that bacteria prevent the drug
from entering the cell wall, either by pumping the drug out again

or else by preventing it from entering at all. Of course, genetic chan-
ges for such an action also need to be carried out, yet bacteria are
able to do this with ease.
Another means of bacterial self-defense is to alter the site
where the antibiotic should bind. Since the antibiotic cannot reach
the site it must attach to under normal conditions, it will be unable
to neutralize the bacterium. We still do not know how bacteria ac-

quire the genes necessary for such a change.
Bacteria can also make resistant the regions that the antibiotic
will target. Some streptococci can only survive in the presence of a
molecule known as thymidine. If an antibiotic prevents the strepto-
coccus from producing thymidine, the bacterium defends itself by
producing thymidine in a different way. The antibiotic cannot halt
the production of thymidine in unexpected way, so will be unable
to kill the bacterium.
Another proof that bacteria behave in a conscious manner is

the way that the knowing teach the unknowing. A bacterium that suc- HARUN YAHYA
ceeds in exhibiting resistance by changing its genetic structure may
be able to pass along to other members of its own species the genes
that allow this change. To do this, two bacteria construct a bridge
between them, and pass the relevant gene from one to the other. (ADNAN OKTAR)

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