Mutations and evolution in bacteria
I can describe examples of mutations in bacteria and explain why advantageous genetic variants became more common in the bacterial population.
Mutations and evolution in bacteria
I can describe examples of mutations in bacteria and explain why advantageous genetic variants became more common in the bacterial population.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An example of a mutation in bacteria that could be helpful to humans (e.g. ability to digest man-made waste).
- An example of a mutation in bacteria that is dangerous to humans (e.g. antibiotic resistance).
- Explanations of examples at the genetic level using ideas about mutation, natural selection and asexual reproduction.
- Explanations to include why advantageous genetic variants become more common in the bacteria over generations.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that bacteria are not living organisms and/or do not evolve. Pupils may also think that all bacteria are harmful.
The lesson explores two examples of evolution in bacteria, explaining each example through mutation, reproduction and natural selection.
Keywords
Natural selection - Organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce and pass on their genes to their offspring.
Micro-organism - Microscopic living thing, such as a bacterium or an amoeba.
Mutation - A change in the nucleotide base sequence in the DNA of the genome.
Genetic variant - A region of DNA in which the sequence of nucleotide bases has been changed.
Asexual reproduction - A form of reproduction in which a cell divides to produce two genetically identical cells.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a region of DNA in which the nucleotide base sequence has been changed
a process that changes the nucleotide base sequence in a region of DNA
the process by which most scientists believe evolution occurs
Exit quiz
6 Questions
