The Bdellovibrios bacteria is a _________ bacteria:
A. Gram negative
B. Predator of gram negative bacteria
C. It has a single polar flagellum
D. Reproduce by producing spores called myxospore during nutrient deficit conditions Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
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Associate Bdellovibrio with "predator." It's a Gram-negative predator of other Gram-negative bacteria. Its predatory lifestyle requires it to be fast, hence the powerful single polar flagellum. Don't confuse its complex life cycle with spore formation in other bacteria like Myxobacteria or Bacillus.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bdellovibrio is a genus of bacteria known for its unique predatory lifestyle. This question asks to identify the correct characteristics of this bacterium from the given list. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each statement:
A. Gram negative: This is correct. Bdellovibrio is a Gram-negative bacterium.
B. Predator of gram negative bacteria: This is correct and is the most distinctive feature of Bdellovibrio. It actively preys on other Gram-negative bacteria by invading their periplasmic space and consuming their cellular contents.
C. It has a single polar flagellum: This is correct. The free-living, "attack phase" of Bdellovibrio is highly motile due to a single, thick, sheathed polar flagellum.
D. Reproduce by producing spores called myxospore during nutrient deficit conditions: This is incorrect. Myxospores are resting spores produced by Myxobacteria (another group of interesting bacteria). Bdellovibrio has a unique reproductive cycle where it grows into a long filament inside its host and then fragments into multiple progeny cells, which then lyse the host cell. It does not form myxospores.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct statements are A, B, and C. Statement D is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option is (B).
