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Multiple Choice

Which organism acts as a bacterial endosymbiont that can manipulate host reproduction?

Bacterial endosymbionts that manipulate host reproduction do so to boost their own transmission through generations. Wolbachia is an intracellular bacterium found in many arthropods (and some nematodes) that can alter host reproduction in several ways, such as causing cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization of genetic males, parthenogenesis, or male killing. These strategies bias offspring production toward infected females and ensure the bacteria are passed on through eggs, spreading through the population. The other bacteria listed are known for different roles—Bacillus thuringiensis produces insecticidal toxins; Serratia and Pseudomonas are common environmental or opportunistic bacteria without established reproductive-manipulation effects in hosts.

Bacterial endosymbionts that manipulate host reproduction do so to boost their own transmission through generations. Wolbachia is an intracellular bacterium found in many arthropods (and some nematodes) that can alter host reproduction in several ways, such as causing cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization of genetic males, parthenogenesis, or male killing. These strategies bias offspring production toward infected females and ensure the bacteria are passed on through eggs, spreading through the population. The other bacteria listed are known for different roles—Bacillus thuringiensis produces insecticidal toxins; Serratia and Pseudomonas are common environmental or opportunistic bacteria without established reproductive-manipulation effects in hosts.