The Condition Known as Microbial Antagonism May Be Defined As

Question

The condition known as microbial antagonism may be defined as
A) microorganisms that remain with a person throughout life.
B) a relationship between two organisms where one member harms the other.
C) a relationship between two organisms where only one member benefits.
D) an unsuccessful microbial invasion due to the presence of preexisting microbes.
E) a relationship between two organisms where both members benefit.

Accepted Answer

Microbial antagonism refers to the ability of the normal microbiota to protect the host against pathogenic microorganisms by occupying niches that might otherwise be available to them. This is an example of competition between microorganisms, with the preexisting microbes (normal microbiota) preventing the invasion of potentially harmful microorganisms.