Evolution is the process where a species changes both genetically and physical overtime to suit possible changes in their environment for survival. Charles Darwin was a man who studied evolution, and was the founder of the Natural Selection theory. Darwin’s research explored one the fundamental process, known as Natural Selection. Natural selection is the process in which those with the beneficial characteristics that increases it survival rate within a species will move on and reproduce, passing on DNA to the next generation (Natural Selection: Charles Darwin & Alfred Russel Wallace, n.d.). All the beneficial features will accumulate over times and eventually, the result will be a new organism (Darwin’s Theory of Evolution – A Theory in Crisis. n.d). However, there are many other different theories on evolution such as Mutation, a random change in the genetics of an organism, or Gene flow, when genetic material from one species is carried over to another (Mechanisms: The process of evolution, n.d.). Microorganisms are organisms which are microscopic, meaning they cannot be seen by the naked eye.
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A population of microorganisms can rapidly evolve to changes due to their short generation time, quick division rate and large population (Haney, Janice. 2008). As they multiply and die off, there will be some that undergo mutations allowing for more variation in the gene pool. However, not all mutations are beneficial, but those which acquire the gene which enables to best survive their surrounding will be favoured by Natural Selection and move on to reproduce. Staphylococcus aureus is one species of microbes which has demonstrated these abilities as they have evolved and adapted to either penicillin, Methicillin or Vancomycin in a short period of time. The process of survive can occur without pressure as resistant strains have been found in remote areas of the world (Stein, Richard A. 2011). However, when there is biological pressure, such as when exposed antibiotics, the process occurs at a faster rate. Microorganisms also have a unique ability to transfer DNA back and forth between one another, providing new genes. This is known as “lateral” or “horizontal: transfer. It is a procedure that can occur between bacterium that are not closely related. Through horizontal transfer, resistant strains can “share” their “immunity” with other microbes to create more superbugs. VRSA (Vancomycin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
A population of microorganisms can rapidly evolve to changes due to their short generation time, quick division rate and large population (Haney, Janice. 2008). As they multiply and die off, there will be some that undergo mutations allowing for more variation in the gene pool. However, not all mutations are beneficial, but those which acquire the gene which enables to best survive their surrounding will be favoured by Natural Selection and move on to reproduce. Staphylococcus aureus is one species of microbes which has demonstrated these abilities as they have evolved and adapted to either penicillin, Methicillin or Vancomycin in a short period of time. The process of survive can occur without pressure as resistant strains have been found in remote areas of the world (Stein, Richard A. 2011). However, when there is biological pressure, such as when exposed antibiotics, the process occurs at a faster rate. Microorganisms also have a unique ability to transfer DNA back and forth between one another, providing new genes. This is known as “lateral” or “horizontal: transfer. It is a procedure that can occur between bacterium that are not closely related. Through horizontal transfer, resistant strains can “share” their “immunity” with other microbes to create more superbugs. VRSA (Vancomycin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)