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Prototrophs vs. Auxotrophs quiz

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  • What is a prototroph?
    A prototroph is an original parent strain with no mutations that does not require additional growth factors to survive.
  • What does the root 'proto' in prototroph mean?
    'Proto' means original form, indicating that prototrophs are the original, non-mutated strains.
  • How are prototrophs represented symbolically?
    Prototrophs are represented with a plus sign, such as His+.
  • Why do prototrophs not require additional growth factors?
    They have functional genes that allow them to synthesize their own growth factors from other molecules.
  • What is an auxotroph?
    An auxotroph is a mutant strain with DNA mutations that require additional growth factors to survive.
  • What does the root 'auxo' in auxotroph mean?
    'Auxo' means increase, referring to the increased growth factor requirements of auxotrophs.
  • How are auxotrophs represented symbolically?
    Auxotrophs are represented with a minus sign, such as His-.
  • Why do auxotrophs require additional growth factors?
    Mutations prevent auxotrophs from synthesizing their own growth factors, so they must obtain them from the environment.
  • What happens if an auxotroph does not receive the required growth factor from its environment?
    The auxotroph will not be able to survive if the required growth factor is not available.
  • What is histidine in the context of prototrophs and auxotrophs?
    Histidine is an amino acid used as a growth factor; prototrophs can synthesize it, while auxotrophs require it from the environment.
  • What does His+ indicate about a bacterial strain?
    His+ indicates the strain is a prototroph with a normal, non-mutated gene for histidine synthesis.
  • What does His- indicate about a bacterial strain?
    His- indicates the strain is an auxotroph with a mutated gene that cannot synthesize histidine.
  • Can prototrophs grow in the absence of a specific growth factor like histidine?
    Yes, prototrophs can grow without histidine because they can synthesize it themselves.
  • How can a prototroph become an auxotroph?
    A prototroph can become an auxotroph if a mutation occurs in its gene responsible for synthesizing a growth factor.
  • What is the main difference between prototrophs and auxotrophs regarding growth factor synthesis?
    Prototrophs can synthesize their own growth factors, while auxotrophs cannot and must obtain them from the environment.