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Question #45112

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Both Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Rhizobium species interact with the root cortical cells of dicotyledonous plants, establishing a metabolic sink. In a scenario where both microbes compete for the same wounded root niche, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding their infection mechanisms?

Options

  • A.

    Agrobacterium senses host-secreted phenolic compounds to activate its vir genes, while Rhizobium senses host-secreted flavonoids to synthesize Nod factors.

  • B.

    Both microbes induce the dedifferentiation and rapid division of inner cortical and pericycle cells to form their respective macroscopic root structures.

  • C.

    To establish their respective metabolic sinks, both microbes permanently integrate a specific segment of their plasmid DNA into the host plant's nuclear genome.

  • D.

    Rhizobium utilizes host-derived photosynthates to fuel the ATP-intensive nitrogenase enzyme, whereas Agrobacterium forces the host to synthesize opines for its exclusive nourishment.

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Comparative_Analysis

Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.

Concepts Behind This Question

Rhizobium|Agrobacterium|Niche_Overlap|Climax_Community

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

Conceptual Pivot: Students often conflate 'plasmid-mediated interactions' with 'genetic transformation'.

Because Rhizobium utilizes a Sym-plasmid (containing nod and nif genes) and Agrobacterium utilizes a Ti-plasmid, students falsely assume both integrate DNA into the host to cause cellular proliferation.

The trap tests the fundamental difference between genetic transformation (Agrobacterium's parasitism) and intracellular accommodation (Rhizobium's mutualism).

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectBiology
ChapterBiotechnology : Principles and Processes - Class 12
ConceptAgrobacterium Tumefaciens Mechanism
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load5
Target Solve Time120 sec
AccessFree