Question

If you were to insert only one gene from the phage (out of ~10 genes) to a cell of L. monocytogenes, which one has the highest likelihood of killing of the bacterium? The gene that encodes for:

Select one:

a. polymerase

b. chromosome integration

c. the attachment protein

d. cell wall lytic enzymes

e. excision from the chromosome

Answer 1

Option D is the correct answer.

Cell wall lytic enzymes are responsible for degradation of cell wall. Cell wall maintain the shape and integrity of the bacterial cell. Once the cell wall is degraded all the cellular content release out leading to death of bacterial cell.

Rest all in the options interfere with replication of genetic content in the bacteria which prevents the bacterial reproduction. These also kill bacteria but not as efficient as cell lytic enzymes.