Question

Which of the following microbe is the bacterial parasite of gram negative bacteria?

• A. Bdellovibrio
• B. Baculovirus
• C. Bacteriophage
• D. Entamoeba

Hint:

Remember:
• Bdellovibrio \(\rightarrow\) Predatory bacterium attacking gram-negative bacteria
• Bacteriophage \(\rightarrow\) Virus infecting bacteria
• Baculovirus \(\rightarrow\) Insect virus \[ \textit{Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus} = \text{``Bacteria that eats bacteria''} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Bdellovibrio is a predatory gram-negative bacterium that parasitizes other gram-negative bacteria. It invades the periplasmic space of the host bacterium, grows inside it, and eventually lyses the host cell. Because it feeds on and destroys other bacteria, it is called a: \[ \text{Bacterial parasite or predatory bacterium} \]

Step 1: Identifying the bacterial parasite of gram-negative bacteria. Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus specifically attacks gram-negative bacteria by:
• Attaching to the bacterial surface
• Penetrating the outer membrane
• Multiplying inside the host
• Causing lysis of the host cell Therefore: \[ \boxed{\textit{Bdellovibrio} \text{ is the bacterial parasite of gram-negative bacteria}} \]

Step 2: Eliminating the incorrect options.
• Option (B): Baculoviruses infect insects, especially larvae of moths and butterflies.
• Option (C): Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, but the question specifically asks for a microbial parasite.
• Option (D): Entamoeba is a protozoan parasite found in humans and other animals. Hence, the correct answer is Bdellovibrio. \[ \boxed{\textit{Bdellovibrio} \Rightarrow \text{Predatory gram-negative bacterium}} \]