AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Resistant bacteria: MRSA is resistant to antibiotics.
MRSA stands for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 6 of 10
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
MRSA stands for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a strain of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to several antibiotics, including meticillin and often related antibiotics. This means that infections caused by MRSA are difficult to treat because the usual antibiotics do not kill the bacteria. MRSA can cause serious infections, particularly in hospitals or care settings where people may have wounds, catheters or weakened immune systems. The resistance arises from random mutations and is inherited by offspring, so resistant populations increase when antibiotics are used. Understanding MRSA helps explain why inappropriate antibiotic use is dangerous and why infection control is important.
What earns the marks
- MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus.
- MRSA is resistant to antibiotics, including meticillin and often other antibiotics.
- Infections caused by MRSA are difficult to treat because antibiotics may not work.
- MRSA is a particular concern in healthcare settings such as hospitals.
- Resistance is inherited and can spread through bacterial reproduction.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking MRSA is a virus.
Put it right: It is a bacterium.
Believing MRSA is resistant to all antibiotics.
Put it right: It is resistant to several, but some antibiotics may still be effective.
Confusing MRSA with a human immune response.
Put it right: Resistance is a property of the bacterium.
Exam tips
- State that MRSA is a bacterium and a strain of Staphylococcus aureus.
- Mention that it is resistant to antibiotics and therefore hard to treat.
- Link MRSA to hospital infections and infection control.
Try the lesson
The start of the Resistant bacteria: MRSA is resistant to antibiotics. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What does it mean that MRSA is resistant to antibiotics?
Listen
MRSA stands for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a strain of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to several antibiotics, including meticillin and often related antibiotics. This means that infections caused by MRSA are difficult to treat because the usual antibiotics do not kill the bacteria. MRSA can cause serious infections, particularly in hospitals or care settings where people may have wounds, catheters or weakened immune systems. The resistance arises from random mutations and is inherited by offspring, so resistant populations increase when antibiotics are used. Understanding MRSA helps explain why inappropriate antibiotic use is dangerous and why infection control is important. A strong answer earns marks for these points. MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is resistant to antibiotics, including meticillin and often other antibiotics. Infections caused by MRSA are difficult to treat because antibiotics may not work. MRSA is a particular concern in healthcare settings such as hospitals. Exam tip: State that MRSA is a bacterium and a strain of Staphylococcus aureus.
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