Question

Which of the following functions is not important to assimilation of metals by bacteria?

(a) Detoxification

(b) Enzyme functions

(c) Physical properties of cell

(d) Resistance

The question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

I'd like to ask this question from Metal topic in section Microbial Transformation of Heavy Metals of Environmental Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (d) Resistance

Easiest explanation: Resistant population is selected over the original strain, that affects the microbial population, may also lead to reduction in abundance and diversity of species but this is not relevant to assimilation of metals by bacteria, whereas, detoxification, enzyme functions, physical properties of cell are important during bacterial assimilation of metals in the cells.