Which of the following bacteria produces an enzyme that breaks down urea?

• A. Helicobacter pylori
• B. Bacillus subtilis
• C. Escherichia coli
• D. Streptococcus pneumoniae

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the enzyme urease, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. This reaction helps certain bacteria survive in acidic environments by neutralizing acid.
2. Recall that Helicobacter pylori is known for colonizing the acidic environment of the stomach and produces urease to break down urea, which helps it survive the stomach's acidity.
3. Review the other bacteria listed: Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and note that they do not typically produce urease or use urea breakdown as a survival mechanism.
4. Connect the presence of urease enzyme production specifically to Helicobacter pylori, which is a key diagnostic feature used in clinical microbiology to identify this bacterium.
5. Conclude that among the options given, Helicobacter pylori is the bacterium that produces the enzyme urease to break down urea.