Which reason best explains why bacteria are effective at causing infections in other organisms?

• A. They can rapidly reproduce and adapt to changing environments.
• B. They are always visible to the naked eye, making detection easy.
• C. They lack any genetic material, preventing mutation.
• D. They only survive in extreme environments and rarely interact with hosts.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key characteristics of bacteria that contribute to their ability to cause infections. Focus on their reproduction rate, adaptability, and interaction with hosts.
2. Recall that bacteria are microscopic organisms that reproduce by binary fission, a process that allows rapid population growth under favorable conditions.
3. Consider how genetic variation and mutation in bacteria enable them to adapt quickly to changing environments, including the presence of antibiotics or immune responses.
4. Evaluate the incorrect options: bacteria are not always visible to the naked eye, they do contain genetic material (DNA), and they can survive in a wide range of environments, not just extreme ones.
5. Conclude that the most effective reason bacteria cause infections is their ability to rapidly reproduce and adapt, which helps them establish and maintain infections in hosts.