Which factor is primarily responsible for the division of bacterial populations into specific zones within sediments?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: free oxygen availability. In sediment environments, free oxygen availability plays a crucial role in determining bacterial population distribution due to oxygen gradients. Bacteria that require oxygen will be found in aerobic zones where oxygen is present, while anaerobic bacteria will thrive in zones with limited or no oxygen. This division is primarily responsible for the spatial organization of bacterial populations within sediments. Choice A: Predation by protozoans is not primarily responsible for division of bacterial populations within sediments as it focuses on interactions between different organisms rather than the environmental factor of oxygen availability. Choice C: While competition for suitable electron acceptors is important for microbial communities, it is not the primary factor responsible for the division of bacterial populations within sediments. Choice D: Cometabolism of organic compounds refers to the metabolism of compounds alongside the primary substrate, and it is not directly related to the spatial distribution of bacterial populations within sediments based on oxygen availability.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: EcoRI recognizes the palindromic sequence GAATTC and cuts between G and A on both strands, producing 5' cohesive ends. Cohesive ends can base-pair with complementary ends, facilitating DNA ligation. Blunt ends (choice B) are produced by enzymes that cut both DNA strands at the same position. Choice A is incorrect as EcoRI produces 5' cohesive ends, not 3' cohesive ends. Choice D is incorrect as EcoRI does produce cohesive ends.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vector DNA. In genetic engineering, a vector is a DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic material into another cell. Plasmid DNA (choice B) is a type of vector, but not all vectors are plasmids. Recombinant DNA (choice A) refers to DNA that has been artificially created by combining DNA from different sources. Insert DNA (choice D) is the foreign genetic material that is inserted into a vector. Therefore, the most specific and accurate choice is C, Vector DNA, as it encompasses all types of vectors used in genetic engineering.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.