Question

part b
which of the following best explains the difference in the numbers of bacteria with and without the mutation at the end of the video?
hide all
a the bacteria with the mutation move faster than the bacteria without the mutation.
b the bacteria with the mutation infect host cells more rapidly than the bacteria without the mutation.
c the bacteria with the mutation have a reproductive advantage over the bacteria without the mutation.
d the bacteria with the mutation have double the number of genes as the bacteria without the mutation.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Bacterial movement speed is not directly related to population number differences over time, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: Infecting host cells faster does not necessarily explain the difference in bacterial population numbers (as bacteria reproduce asexually, and population growth is more about reproduction than infection rate).
• Option C: If bacteria with the mutation have a reproductive advantage (e.g., faster reproduction, higher survival of offspring), their population will grow faster than those without the mutation, explaining the number difference. This aligns with evolutionary principles of natural selection.
• Option D: Having double the number of genes does not directly correlate with population growth or number differences unless those genes specifically confer a reproductive advantage, which is not implied here.

Answer:

C. The bacteria with the mutation have a reproductive advantage over the bacteria without the mutation.