Two bacterial strains have the same genes for metabolizing a carbohydrate, but one is wild-type for a regulatory inducer while the other does not produce the inducer. Which of the following statements is CORRECT with regard to the metabolism of the bacteria?
A) The two bacterial strains have the same phenotype.
B) The two bacterial strains have different phenotypes.
C) The genotypes and phenotypes of the two bacterial strains are the same.
D) The two bacterial strains have the same phenotype but have different genotypes.
E) The answer cannot be determined from the information provided.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two bacterial strains have the same genes for metabolizing a carbohydrate, meaning they have the same genotype. However, the presence or absence of the regulatory inducer affects gene expression and thus the phenotype. Therefore, the two strains have different phenotypes.

Two Bacterial Strains Have the Same Genes for Metabolizing a Carbohydrate