Question

select all that apply
why is it difficult to group bacteria into species? more than one answer may be correct.
bacteria are not alive and are not cells.
bacteria can alter their genetic makeup.
bacterial cells can accept genetic material from other, sometimes unrelated cells.
bacteria do not use a typical mode of sexual reproduction.
bacteria can hybridize, thus making the definition of a species difficult or impossible.

Explanation:

Bacteria can alter their genetic makeup through processes like mutation. They can also horizontally transfer genetic material from other, sometimes unrelated cells. Since they don't use typical sexual - reproduction, and can hybridize, it's hard to define species in the traditional sense. Bacteria are living cells, so the statement that they are not alive and not cells is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Bacteria can alter their genetic makeup.
C. Bacterial cells can accept genetic material from other, sometimes unrelated cells.
D. Bacteria do not use a typical mode of sexual reproduction.
E. Bacteria can hybridize, thus making the definition of a species difficult or impossible.