Microbial hyaluronidase, coagulase, and streptokinase are examples of which type of molecules produced by bacteria?

• A. Structural proteins of the cell wall
• B. Antibiotics that inhibit other microbes
• C. Exoenzymes that aid in pathogenesis
• D. Nutrient transporters in the plasma membrane

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the function of each molecule mentioned: hyaluronidase, coagulase, and streptokinase. These molecules are produced by bacteria and play roles in interacting with the host during infection.
2. Understand that structural proteins of the cell wall are components that maintain bacterial shape and integrity, not enzymes that modify host tissues.
3. Recognize that antibiotics are substances produced by microbes to inhibit or kill other microbes, which is different from enzymes that act on host tissues.
4. Learn that exoenzymes are enzymes secreted by bacteria that act outside the cell to break down host tissues or interfere with host defenses, aiding in bacterial invasion and pathogenesis.
5. Conclude that since hyaluronidase breaks down connective tissue, coagulase affects blood clotting, and streptokinase dissolves clots, they are all exoenzymes that help bacteria invade and cause disease.