Chapter 24, Problem 6RQ

To determine

That bacteria need PABA but human can do without it.

Answer to Problem 6RQ

Bacteria can’t take folic acid from outside source.

Explanation of Solution

Bacteria and we human being, both require folic acid to be healthy. We human can get the folic acid from the food we eat but bacteria cannot take folic acid from outside.

Bacteria need to make folic acid by their own.

The bacteria possess receptor sites that helps the bacteria to make folic acid from the simple molecule found in all the bacteria, which is Para-benzoic acid (PABA)

Conclusion:

Therefore, the bacteria need PABA but human can do without it.