What are the two mechanisms by which a bacterial cell can become resistant to antibiotics? Explain.

A bacterial cell can become resistant to antibiotics through mutations or by acquiring resistance genes from other bacteria: 1. Mutations: Random changes in the bacterial DNA can lead to alterations in target sites for antibiotics, preventing the drug from binding or functioning properly. 2. Gene transfer: Bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer mechanisms like conjugation, transformation, or transduction. These acquired genes often come from other bacteria that are already resistant to the antibiotic.