The original purpose of antibiotic production by microbes may not be known, yet for the microbes that produce antibiotic molecules, which of the following mechanisms is NOT a way to avoid self-destruction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Microbes that produce antibiotics have evolved mechanisms to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the antibiotics they produce. These mechanisms include pumping the antibiotic out of the cell, modifying the target of the antibiotic so it cannot bind, adding modifying groups to the antibiotic to inactivate it, and destroying the antibiotic. The statement that there is no need to avoid self-destruction is incorrect, as these mechanisms clearly indicate an evolutionary adaptation to avoid self-harm from the antibiotics they produce.

The Original Purpose of Antibiotic Production by Microbes May Not