The source of variation among microorganisms that were once identical is
A) antibiotic resistance.
B) virulence factors.
C) mutation.
D) sigma factors.
E) mutant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mutation is the source of variation among microorganisms that were once identical. Mutations are changes in the genetic material of an organism that create new alleles, which can result in new phenotypes like antibiotic resistance or increased virulence. Sigma factors are not a source of variation but are proteins that help RNA polymerase bind to promoters and initiate transcription. A mutant is an individual organism that has undergone a mutation, but it is not a source of variation in itself.

The Source of Variation Among Microorganisms That Were Once Identical