In 2005, scientists discovered a strain of fruit flies that was resistant to the pesticide DDT. Although pesticide resistance can sometimes decrease the overall fitness of an organism, these flies did not exhibit reduced fitness. In fact, the flies thrived in the absence of the pesticide.

Bacteria Y is a harmful strain of a usually helpful bacteria that lives on human skin. Antibiotic X is usually effective against bacteria Y. Suppose a situation similar to the fruit fly's resistance to DDT developed between bacteria Y and antibiotic X. Which course of treatment would MOST likely help a patient suffering from a disease caused by the newly developed strain of bacteria Y?

Gene therapies

Explanation:

The resistance problem to antibiotic X is caused by the evolution and transfer of genes that confer resistance to antibiotic X into bacteria Y. The acquisition of such resistance genes by bacteria Y complicates disease treatment, hence the need to seek alternatives.

The course of treatment that would most likely help a patient suffering from a disease caused by the newly developed strain of bacteria Y described in the question is gene therapy. Gene therapy aims to enhance the response of the immune system to infection. Another alternative is to use bacteriophage antibiotics to provide antimicrobial defenses and support.

a- multicellular

b-eukaryotic

c-no cell wall

d-heterotrophic

e-autotrophic