Scientists have demonstrated that the cholera bacteria,Vibrio cholerae,can exist as a rather harmless form or,by phage conversion,can exist as a disease-causing,virulent form.This conversion is caused by
A)the phage entering the cholera bacterium genome and causing the bacterium's cell to lyse.
B)the phage introducing a gene into the bacterium's chromosome that codes for the cholera toxin that can cause death in humans.
C)the phage altering the cell wall of the cholera bacterium that produces a toxin that can cause death in humans.
D)the phage alters the host cell,which permits direct entry of the cholera bacterium into the host cell leading to death in humans.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phage conversion occurs when a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria) introduces new genetic material into the bacterium's chromosome. In the case of Vibrio cholerae, this can result in the introduction of a gene that codes for the cholera toxin, which is responsible for the severe symptoms of cholera in humans. Therefore, option B is the best choice as it accurately describes the mechanism of phage conversion in Vibrio cholerae.

Scientists Have Demonstrated That the Cholera Bacteria,Vibrio Cholerae,can Exist as a Rather