Answer:
The answer is a. The "invention" sought to be patented is actually a living creature.
Explanation:
That is the answer. Because by the law, you actually "CAN" patent a living creature or an organism that you invented and that does not exist naturally.
So, a patent application CAN NOT be denied on the grounds that the invention is a living thing.
However, if a plant or any organism exists in nature and has reproduced, then it cannot be patented. Because then it has become a natural occurrence. This is a stern limitation and a criteria put on patents for living organisms.
Patenting living organism such as anti bacteria and bacteria is common in pharmaceutical industry while patenting unique seed types are common in agricultural sector.