Step 1: Understanding the Question.
This question discusses the inability of a toxin to affect a certain type of bacteria. The options focus on the different reasons why this might happen.
Step 2: Analyzing the Options.
(A) The toxin is immature: This is unlikely because the question specifies that the toxin's effect is blocked, not that it is immature.
(B) The bacteria are resistant to the toxin: Correct — Bacteria often evolve resistance mechanisms, such as toxin neutralization, making them unaffected by the toxin.
(C) The toxin is stored in the cells: This is not relevant to the mechanism described in the question.
(D) The bacteria do not interact with the toxin: This is not correct, as the interaction could be blocked by resistance mechanisms.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) The bacteria are resistant to the toxin, as this explains why the bacteria are unaffected by the toxin.