5

Set 4: Cross-Text Connections

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

Text 1 Antibiotic resistance is driven by natural selection. When bacteria are exposed to drugs, the susceptible ones die, leaving behind those with mutations that allow them to survive. These survivors then multiply. Text 2 Horizontal gene transfer accelerates this process. Bacteria can swap genetic material, including resistance genes, with their neighbors. This means a harmless bacterium can acquire resistance from a dangerous one without waiting for a new mutation.

How does Text 2 amplify the threat described in Text 1?

A. It explains a mechanism (gene transfer) that spreads resistance much faster than vertical inheritance alone.✓ Correct
B. It says bacteria cannot mutate.
C. It proves antibiotics work perfectly.
D. It claims viruses are the problem.

Detailed Explanation

Text 1: Selection/Mutation (Vertical). Text 2: Swap genes (Horizontal). Acceleration: Don't wait for mutation -> Faster spread.

Key Evidence:

• "accelerates this process"

• "without waiting for a new mutation"

Why others are wrong: B (Text 1 says they do.), C (Resistance.), D (Bacteria.).

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