SAT Reading & Writing · Command of Evidence (textual)
Bacterial resistance to a particular antibiotic often declines after the antibiotic is used less frequently, because resistance mutations…
Bacterial resistance to a particular antibiotic often declines after the antibiotic is used less frequently, because resistance mutations can impose a biological cost on bacteria in drug-free environments. A public health official assumes that reducing antibiotic use in a hospital will therefore always and predictably restore susceptibility within a short time. Which finding would most directly complicate the official's assumption?
Answer and explanation
Answer: B: In some cases, compensatory mutations or genetic linkage with other beneficial traits can allow resistance to persist even after antibiotic use decreases, meaning reduced use does not guarantee…
The official's assumption treats one common pattern, resistance costs favoring reversal, as a universal, guaranteed rule. B directly complicates that by identifying specific mechanisms, compensatory mutations and genetic linkage, that can prevent the expected reversal from happening reliably. A restates the general mechanism behind the expected pattern without addressing exceptions to it. C and D are unrelated background facts about hospital practices and antibiotic variety.
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