Which term refers to a virus that infects bacteria?

Which term refers to a virus that infects bacteria?

• A. Baroreceptor
• B. Balanitis
• C. Bacteriophage
• D. Bilateral

Answer: (C)

The question tests knowledge of the term used for a virus that targets bacteria. The precise word is bacteriophage, often shortened to phage. It literally means a virus that eats bacteria, reflecting its role in infecting bacterial cells and often causing them to lyse. Why this fits best: bacteriophage specifically describes a virus whose host is a bacterium, which is exactly what the prompt asks for. To clarify the others: a baroreceptor is a sensor that detects changes in blood pressure, not a virus. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, a non-viral medical condition. Bilateral means occurring on two sides.

The question tests knowledge of the term used for a virus that targets bacteria. The precise word is bacteriophage, often shortened to phage. It literally means a virus that eats bacteria, reflecting its role in infecting bacterial cells and often causing them to lyse.

Why this fits best: bacteriophage specifically describes a virus whose host is a bacterium, which is exactly what the prompt asks for.

To clarify the others: a baroreceptor is a sensor that detects changes in blood pressure, not a virus. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, a non-viral medical condition. Bilateral means occurring on two sides.