Chapter 18, Problem 2A

Summary Introduction

To determine the odd term:

Among binary fission, nitrogen fixation and conjugate.

Introduction:

Pathogens are the organisms that are able to infect a host organism and cause disease. The bacteria and the viruses are such pathogens. Bacteria are the prokaryotic organism, that can survive independently and inside the body of the organism. Besides as aa pathogen, bacteria have other lose in ecosystem too, such as nitrogen fixation, prey for smaller organism, etc.

Explanation of Solution

The binary fission, conjugation and nitrogen fixation is different processes performed by bacteria. The binary fission is the technique by which the bacteria is divided into two in order to reproduce and involves the transfer of genetic material. The conjugation is the transfer of genetic material between two bacteria by attaching to one another. In both the processes transfer of genetic material takes place. In nitrogen fixation, the bacteria fix the nitrogen in the oil by metabolic activities. Hence, nitrogen fixation does not involve exchange of genetic material, and it is odd one among these three processes.