Question

Wild-type bacteria can grow on minimal medium. Four mutants that cannot grow on minimal medium but can grow on minimal medium supplemented with the nutrient "H" are isolated. It is suspected that metabolites T, P, and A are in the biochemical pathway for synthesis of H, so each mutant is tested for the ability to grow on minimal medium supplemented with these metabolites:

A. Mutant 1: can grow on minimal medium supplemented with T, but not P or A
B. Mutant 2: is unable to grow on minimal medium supplemented with T, P, or A
C. Mutant 3: is able to grow on minimal medium supplemented with A or T, but not P
D. Mutant 4: can grow on minimal medium supplemented with T, P, or A.

Answer 1

Answer:

Mutant 4: can grow on minimal medium supplemented with T, P, or A.

Explanation:

In minimal medium, those  bacteria who lacks some enzyme which are necessary for the synthesis of all their required compounds can not grow. They require these metabolites supplemented in minimal medium. In  this case , if any of these 3 metabolites T,P,A  which are required for the synthesis of H are absent in minimal medium,then there will be no bacteria growth.