Which of the following would be the best definition of a "biological weapon"?

• A. A device that uses living organisms or their toxins to intentionally cause harm or death to humans, animals, or plants.
• B. A chemical substance designed to disrupt cellular processes.
• C. A tool used in laboratories to study biological processes.
• D. A weapon that uses radioactive materials to cause widespread contamination.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'biological weapon' by breaking it into its components: 'biological' refers to living organisms or their byproducts, and 'weapon' refers to something used to cause harm or damage.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first option: 'A device that uses living organisms or their toxins to intentionally cause harm or death to humans, animals, or plants.' This aligns with the definition of a biological weapon, as it involves living organisms or their toxins used with harmful intent.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second option: 'A chemical substance designed to disrupt cellular processes.' While this describes a chemical agent, it does not specifically involve living organisms or their toxins, so it does not fit the definition of a biological weapon.
4. Step 4: Assess the third option: 'A tool used in laboratories to study biological processes.' This describes a scientific instrument or method, not a weapon designed to cause harm, so it is not a biological weapon.
5. Step 5: Examine the fourth option: 'A weapon that uses radioactive materials to cause widespread contamination.' This describes a radiological weapon, not a biological weapon, as it involves radioactive materials rather than living organisms or their toxins.