Hello, this question is incomplete. The complete question would be:
"A researcher claims that different metabolic pathways allow bacteria to use different molecules as sources of matter and energy. Which of the following statements best helps justify the researcher’s claim by providing a relevant example? a.Rhizobia bacteria form close associations with the roots of bean plants. b. E. coli bacteria reproduce in liquid media containing either glucose or galactose. c.The antibiotic rifampicin inhibits the growth of some bacterial strains but not of others. d. Some viruses that infect bacteria reproduce by either the lysogenic cycle or the lytic cycle. "
Answer:
b. E. coli bacteria reproduce in liquid media containing either glucose or galactose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacterial metabolism depends on carbon sources to stay nourished. Due to this characteristic, bacteria can be classified as autotrophic and heterotrophic. Among the nutrient classes, bacterial metabolism can remain active with macronutrient sources (carbon, sulfur, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus) or micronutrients (zinc, calcium, sodium, iron, manganese, potassium, cobalt, chlorine, etc).
Bacteria need a nutritious environment to survive, but their different metabolic pathways allow bacteria to use different molecules as sources of matter and energy.
Understanding this is facilitated by the analysis of the metabolism of bacteria that, like Escherichia coli, are able to synthesize all the components required for their replication from glucose or galactose and minerals alone.