Practise 43 exam-style questions on Resistant bacteria for AQA GCSE Biology. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
43 questions
2–4 marks each
Instant marking
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20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
2 marks
Why is rapid diagnostic testing for bacterial pathogens important for antibiotic stewardship?
Model answer
Rapid diagnostics identify the causative bacterium and susceptibility, enabling targeted (narrow-spectrum) therapy rather than broad empirical antibiotics, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
Explanation
Faster identification supports appropriate antibiotic choice, limiting exposure to broad agents that drive resistance.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Identifies pathogen and susceptibility quickly
1 mark
Allows targeted therapy, reduces unnecessary broad-spectrum use
Question 2
3 marks
Describe one experimental limitation of small-scale lab antibiotic resistance studies compared to real-world clinical settings.
Model answer
Lab conditions are controlled and lack host factors (immune response, metabolism) and diverse microbial communities, so results may not reflect in vivo effectiveness or emergence of resistance in complex environments.
Explanation
In vitro tests do not simulate host environment or microbial ecology, so clinical applicability and resistance dynamics can differ.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Lab is controlled and lacks host factors / immune system
Therefore may not predict clinical effectiveness / resistance emergence
Question 3
3 marks
Explain how genetic sequencing of bacterial isolates can aid in controlling hospital outbreaks of resistant bacteria.
Model answer
Sequencing identifies genetic relatedness of isolates, revealing transmission chains, sources and whether cases are linked. This informs targeted infection control and outbreak containment.
Explanation
Genomic data help pinpoint sources and transmission, enabling precise interventions rather than broad measures.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Sequencing determines genetic relatedness of isolates
1 mark
Reveals transmission routes / outbreak links
1 mark
Allows targeted control measures to stop spread
Question 4
4 marks
Discuss two socio-economic factors that make tackling antibiotic resistance challenging at a global scale.
Model answer
Limited resources in low-income countries hinder surveillance, regulation and access to diagnostics, leading to misuse. Pharmaceutical market incentives are low for new antibiotics, reducing R&D investment. Global travel and trade spread resistant strains across borders.
Explanation
Economic disparities, insufficient incentives for new drugs, lack of infrastructure, and globalization complicate coordinated global responses to resistance.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Limited healthcare resources in low-income countries (reduced surveillance/regulation)
1 mark
Cost and access to diagnostics and stewardship programmes
1 mark
Low commercial incentives for antibiotic R&D reduces new drug development
1 mark
Global travel/trade spreads resistant strains internationally
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