Question

Many of the first prokaryotes to be cultured in a scientific lab were human or animal pathogens. Why would these species be more readily cultured than non-pathogenic prokaryotes?

a. Pathogenic prokaryotes are hardier than nonpathogenic prokaryotes.

b. Non-pathogenic prokaryotes require more supplements in their growth media.

c. Most of the necessary culture conditions could be inferred for pathogenic prokaryotes.

d. Pathogenic bacteria can grow as free bacteria, but non-pathogenic bacteria only grow as parts of large colonies.

Short answer

The evidence has inferred the cultural conditions of the pathogenic prokaryotes, that these species are more readily cultured than non-pathogenic prokaryotes.

Step-by-step solution

Explanation

As most of the non-pathogenic bacteria are low in abundance and also they grow very slowly, thus the laboratory microbial investigation in culture may miss identifying them. Thus, they are not used while pathogenic prokaryotes are used as they are readily grown with fastidious growth in culture with defined cultured conditions.

Final answer

Hence, option 'c' is correct.