Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires matching various antibiotics with the specific bacterial species that produce them. Many important antibiotics are secondary metabolites of soil bacteria.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• Bacitracin (A): Produced by the Bacillus subtilis group (specifically Bacillus licheniformis). It is used in topical ointments. Thus, A matches with III.
• Colicine (B): These are bacteriocins produced by Escherichia coli (IV) to kill closely related bacterial strains. Thus, B matches with IV.
• Gramicidin (C): This is a heterogeneous mixture of antibiotic compounds produced by Bacillus brevis (II). It is effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, C matches with II.
• Polymyxin (D): As the name suggests, it is produced by Bacillus polymyxa (I). It is used to treat Gram-negative infections. Thus, D matches with I.
• Assembly: A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I. This corresponds to Option (B).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence is A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I.