CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Infectious diseases
The table below shows the percentage of Staphylococcus aureus isolates resistant to penicillin in a hospital over time.
| Year | Percentage resistant |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 10 |
| 2005 | 18 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2015 | 45 |
| 2020 | 60 |
Describe how penicillin acts on bacteria and explain why antibiotics do not affect viruses. Using the data, discuss the consequences of antibiotic resistance and the steps that can be taken to reduce its impact.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.
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