Siderophores are bacterial proteins that compete with the host's molecules for which essential nutrient?

• A. Potassium
• B. Glucose
• C. Calcium
• D. Iron

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that siderophores are specialized molecules produced by bacteria to acquire nutrients that are limited in the host environment.
2. Recall that the host limits the availability of certain essential nutrients to prevent bacterial growth, a process known as nutritional immunity.
3. Identify which nutrient siderophores specifically target by recognizing that they have a high affinity for binding iron, an essential element for many biological processes.
4. Note that potassium, glucose, and calcium are not typically sequestered by siderophores; instead, iron is the key nutrient that bacteria compete for using siderophores.
5. Conclude that siderophores help bacteria scavenge iron from the host, overcoming the host's defense mechanism to restrict iron availability.