Acquired antibiotic resistance can include all of the following except:
a. Altering an enzyme that a given drug may target
b. Making endospores
c. Altering a point of entry for a drug
d. Making enzymes that inactivate a drug
e. Increasing the number of efflux pumps that are active in a cell

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of acquired antibiotic resistance, which refers to the mechanisms bacteria develop to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally inhibit or kill them.
2. Step 2: Review each option to determine if it represents a known mechanism of acquired antibiotic resistance:
3. - Option a: Altering an enzyme that a drug targets is a common resistance mechanism, as it prevents the drug from binding effectively.
4. - Option b: Making endospores is a survival strategy but not a mechanism of antibiotic resistance; endospores allow bacteria to survive harsh conditions but do not directly confer resistance to antibiotics.
5. - Option c: Altering a point of entry for a drug (such as changing porin channels) reduces drug uptake and is a recognized resistance mechanism.
6. - Option d: Producing enzymes that inactivate a drug (like beta-lactamases) is a classic resistance strategy.
7. - Option e: Increasing efflux pumps to actively remove antibiotics from the cell is another well-known resistance mechanism.
8. Step 3: Conclude that the exception is the option that does not describe an acquired antibiotic resistance mechanism, which is making endospores.

Key Concepts

Mechanisms of Acquired Antibiotic Resistance

Acquired antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop new traits that reduce drug effectiveness. Common mechanisms include modifying drug targets, producing enzymes that degrade antibiotics, altering drug entry points, and increasing efflux pumps to expel drugs. These adaptations help bacteria survive antibiotic treatment.

Role of Endospores in Bacterial Survival

Endospores are dormant, highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria to survive harsh conditions. While they protect bacteria from environmental stress, endospores do not directly confer antibiotic resistance by altering drug action or metabolism, making spore formation unrelated to acquired antibiotic resistance mechanisms.

Efflux Pumps and Drug Entry Alterations

Efflux pumps are protein transporters that actively expel antibiotics from bacterial cells, reducing intracellular drug concentration. Altering drug entry points, such as modifying porin channels, limits antibiotic uptake. Both strategies decrease drug effectiveness and are common acquired resistance mechanisms.