Which of the following best describes microbial antagonism?

• A. The ability of microorganisms to survive in extreme environmental conditions.
• B. The inhibition of growth of one microorganism by another due to competition for nutrients or production of inhibitory substances.
• C. The mutualistic relationship between two microorganisms where both benefit.
• D. The process by which microorganisms acquire resistance to antibiotics.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'microbial antagonism' by breaking down the word: 'microbial' refers to microorganisms, and 'antagonism' implies opposition or inhibition.
2. Recognize that microbial antagonism involves interactions where one microorganism inhibits or suppresses the growth of another.
3. Consider the mechanisms by which this inhibition can occur, such as competition for nutrients or the production of substances that are harmful to other microbes (e.g., antibiotics or bacteriocins).
4. Compare the given options to see which one aligns with this concept: the correct description should mention inhibition or suppression caused by one microorganism against another.
5. Exclude options that describe survival in extreme conditions, mutualistic relationships (where both benefit), or antibiotic resistance acquisition, as these do not fit the definition of microbial antagonism.