Which of the following is an example of microbial change?

• A. Binary fission in Escherichia coli
• B. Photosynthesis in cyanobacteria
• C. Mutation leading to antibiotic resistance in bacteria
• D. Formation of endospores in Bacillus species

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of microbial change: it refers to a genetic alteration or mutation within a microorganism that can lead to new traits or characteristics, such as antibiotic resistance.
2. Analyze each option to determine if it represents a genetic change or a physiological/biochemical process:
3. Binary fission in Escherichia coli is a method of asexual reproduction, producing identical daughter cells, so it is not a genetic change but a replication process.
4. Photosynthesis in cyanobacteria is a metabolic process where light energy is converted into chemical energy, which is a physiological function, not a genetic change.
5. Formation of endospores in Bacillus species is a survival mechanism involving differentiation into a dormant state, which is a physiological adaptation, not a genetic mutation.
6. Mutation leading to antibiotic resistance in bacteria involves a change in the DNA sequence, resulting in a new trait that can be passed on, making it a clear example of microbial change.