Which of the following is the easiest way for bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance? A. Generate a mutation to alter the target protein. B. Add a functional group to the antibiotic. C. Acquire a...

Which of the following is the easiest way for bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance?

A. Generate a mutation to alter the target protein.

B. Add a functional group to the antibiotic.

C. Acquire a conjugative plasmid harboring an antibiotic resistance gene.

D. Mutate the gene that regulates the antibiotic resistance genes.

E. Mutate the efflux pump so that it pumps out the antibiotics faster than they can accumulate in the bacterial cell.