Which of the following bacterial cells would best be able to survive an attack by an antibiotic?
a.A bacterial cell that used its toxins to alter its DNA and resist the antibiotic
b. A bacterial cell that had a cell membrane made of ester-linked fatty acids
c.A bacterial cell that lacked receptors on its surface for that antibiotic
d.A bacterial cell that was going through binary fission when the antibiotic appeared

If the bacteria lacks the receptors on its surface meant for that antibiotic then it will be best defense for the survival of that bacteria. It is receptors which interact with the antibiotic so as to permit it inside the cell. Therefore, in the absence of receptors, it doesn't matter how much antibiotic is lying in the external environment of that bacteria, the antibiotic will not be able to enter the bacterial cell to kill it. Hence, the bacteria will be able to survive easily.

extensionprenton extensionprenton · Answer 2 · 2019-11-15T04:54:17+01:00

Answer:

The correct answer is option c."A bacterial cell that lacked receptors on its surface for that antibiotic".

Explanation:

There are different mechanisms by which bacteria can get antibiotic resistance. One common mechanism is that the bacteria changes the site or changes the receptor that is recognized by the antibiotic to work. Taking into account this adaptation, a bacterial cell that lacked receptors on its surface for the antibiotic from the beginning would best be able to survive an attack by an antibiotic.