Biology 135 Unit III Assignment

Naif Bazzi
1. Antibiotic resistance for types of disease causing bacteria is very dangerous. Most people
are not educated about the topic and have no idea what can happen when certain types of
bacteria become more resistant. When the word antibiotic is used, the sense of good is
thought. This however is not too good if used improperly. Antibiotics are used to treat
bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting growth. Antibiotics should be used only if
directed by a doctor. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics by using them for a
shorter period of time than directed. Bacteria can also become resistant if antibiotics are
used normally if not needed. If the antibiotic is used for a shorter period of time than
directed, the antibiotic will kill or inhibit the growth of some bacteria, not all. Leaving the
remaining bacteria to become stronger than before, thus needing a higher dose of
antibiotic or stronger. We can reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance by informing
others and educating them that the use of antibiotics should be used only if directed by a
health provider and for the directed time frame. Another way bacteria become resistant
are from antibacterial products used for cleaning. Same thing like antibiotics, using the
product to kill or inhibit bacterial growth, if bacteria remain after the use, the bacteria
will grow and become stronger thus become resistant to that cleaning product. An
example could be Palmolive Ultra Antibacterial Dishwashing soap. Using this product to
clean dishes and silverware will lead to bacterial resistance that will eventually spread to
human bodies if used to consume food. This product should be used by someone with
knowledge about what the product is initially used for because it can do more harm than
good.

2.

GMO, this is short for genetically modified food. Most people do not know that the
produce that is consumed daily could be genetically modified. What is genetically
modified? Genetically modified foods are foods produced that have had their DNA
specifically changed and modified using the methods of genetic engineering. By breeding
such produce, the products grown can be stronger by resisting to certain threats they
encounter. There is much controversy about the topic and its use for products we
consume. For those in favor of genetically modified foods state that there is more food
available to meet the demand of over population as well as helping produce live through
drought, cold and resistant from disease. Sources stat that genetically modified foods will
help feed 2 billion people that will fill the planet by 2050. Supporters also say that
GMOs create less stress on the environment by requiring less soil to be grown. Many
also believe that genetically modified foods are better products. As there are two sides to
every story, there are those who are against the use of genetically modified foods. These
people are concerned that GMOs can cause allergies and make your body resistant to
antibiotics, which is very dangerous, or even lead to cancer. Case studies have shown that
genetically modified foods harm organs such as the kidneys, liver and even the heart.
There has been some controversies about superweeds growing that are basically weeds

but withstand just the same as the GMOs do.

3. There are many diseases that the world has encountered. Humans can be diagnosed with
these diseases. Vaccinations have been engineered to help prevent and control these
illnesses and diseases. The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have
recommended that every child receive certain vaccinations by the age of 6. By doing so,
many diseases can be controlled and prevented in our country. This will eliminate the

spread of infectious diseases that have killed hundreds of thousands of people in the past.
The vaccinations that are listed under the recommended immunizations prevent such
diseases as Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular Pertussis,
Pneumococcal conjugate, Hepatitis A, Measles, mumps, rubella and more.
Some parents question some of the recommended vaccinations and think they should not
be used. Depending on what the vaccination that the child does not receive, they can be
prone to such illnesses that could become fatal. This will put that child in danger of these
diseases and also surrounding humans that come in contact with them. Diseases spread
very fast and as shown in Vaccine Wars they could spread nationwide. Vaccinations are
different from personal health decisions because if vaccines are chosen not to be taken,
you are not only making a decision for yourself but a nation full of people. As the video
states, vaccinations can be rejected for two reasons, religious beliefs and personal beliefs.
If the decision of not getting vaccinated is coming from a personal belief, those are
deciding for many people. It can only take one to spread to thousands. I personally
believe that vaccinations are good and are the reason out life span has increased
compared to the less fortunate years. That's being said, the government should be
involved in the vaccination war and deciding on what vaccinations should be required.
Parents should not be able to refuse vaccinations for their child. The reason is because if
that child gets a illness for example measles, we can face an outbreak that will lead to
many people being diagnosed. We should be able to control our society and be able to
perform the right acts to better the safety of the nation.
Reference:
"Why Are Bacteria Becoming Resistant to Antibiotics? - RxList." RxList. Web. 12 Apr.
2015. http://www.rxlist.com/antibiotic_resistance-page3/drugs-condition.htm

"Strange but True: Antibacterial Products May Do More Harm Than Good."Scientific
American Global RSS. Web. 12 Apr.
2015.http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-antibacterial-productsmay-do-more-harm-than-good/

"The Truth About GMOs: Are They Safe? What Do We Know?" WebMD. WebMD, Web.
12 Apr. 2015.http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/truth-about-gmos