What does the term "antibiotic resistance" mean?

The term "antibiotic resistance" specifically refers to the ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics that were previously effective in killing or inhibiting their growth. This phenomenon arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to survive despite the presence of these drugs, often as a result of genetic mutations or the acquisition of resistance genes. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in medical practice and agriculture accelerate this process, leading to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria. Understanding this concept is crucial in addressing the challenge of treating bacterial infections and managing public health outcomes related to infectious diseases. The other options do not correctly capture the meaning of antibiotic resistance: they either describe different processes or do not relate to bacteria's interaction with antibiotics at all.