Antibiotic Resistance

Summary

Areas of Science

Microbiology
Medical Biotechnology

Grade Levels

Ninth Grade
Tenth Grade
Eleventh Grade
Twelfth Grade

Difficulty

Method

Scientific Method

Time Required

Long (2-4 weeks)

Prerequisites

This project requires access to bacteria and antibiotics in a laboratory setting. A basic knowledge of how to work with bacteria is needed to complete this science fair project. Consult the Microbiology Techniques and Troubleshooting guide for information on how to conduct microbiology experiments.

Material Availability

Specialty items, like bacteria and the media to grow them on, can be ordered from online vendors such as Carolina Biological Supply Company.

Cost

High ($100 - $150)

Safety

Requires adult supervision in a laboratory setting. Use sterile technique. Read the Microorganisms Safety Guide before starting any experiments. SRC approval may be necessary.

Credits

Abstract

Antibiotics work by destabilizing the metabolism or cellular structure of bacteria, preventing growth, and causing bacteria to die. Some strains of bacteria have mutated and found a way to resist the actions of antibiotics. These are called resistant strains because they resist the actions of available antibiotic treatments. There are many different types of antibiotics that are continually being developed to combat new strains of resistant bacteria. Some antibiotics work better on different bacterial strains than others. Compare the action of different antibiotics on different strains of bacteria. Which type of antibiotic works the best against each strain? Which ones are the most cosmopolitan, and work on the most different strains of bacteria? Can you use genomic techniques and bioinformatics to predict which antibiotics will work best on each bacterial species or strain? (NCBI, 2006; Brown, 2002)

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Global Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Good Health and Well-Being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Careers

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:

Microbiologist

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Career Profile

Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi) are the most common life-forms on Earth. They help us digest nutrients; make foods like yogurt, bread, and olives; and create antibiotics. Some microbes also cause diseases. Microbiologists study the growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of microorganisms to promote health, industry, and a basic understanding of cellular functions. Read more

Pharmacist

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Career Profile

Pharmacists are the medication experts. They advise doctors, nurses, and patients on the correct drug dosage for a patient's weight, age, health, and gender; on interactions between drugs; on side effects; on drug alternatives; on costs; and on ways to give drugs. They also dispense drugs at pharmacies, according to prescriptions, checking for dangerous drug interactions, and educating patients on how to take drugs, what reactions to watch out for, and how long it should take for drugs to work. Read more

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