[Campbell Biology P.921] According to the text, what is a key characteristic of bacteriophag... | Practice Question

According to the text, what is a key characteristic of bacteriophages that made them suitable for treating Tom Patterson's superbug infection?

  • A: They are a type of human cell that can consume bacteria.
  • B: They are broad-spectrum antibiotics that overcome resistance.
  • C: They are viruses that specifically attack bacteria but do not harm human cells.
  • D: They are hundred-year-old bacteria that compete with superbugs.

Explanation

The text explains: 'These viruses, called phages for short, attack bacteria, but not human cells. Each phage is specific for a particular bacterium. Phages inject their DNA into bacteria, turning them into phage factories and killing the bacteria in the process.' This specificity and non-harmful nature to human cells made them ideal.