When a Mutualistic Organism Acquires Virulence Factors,it Will Be Recognised

Question

When a mutualistic organism acquires virulence factors,it will be recognised as a:
A)mutualist
B)commensal
C)parasite
D)endosymbiont
E)ectosymbiont

Accepted Answer

When a mutualistic organism acquires virulence factors, it becomes parasitic. This is because virulence factors enhance the organism's ability to harm the host, and mutualism is based on a mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms. A commensal organism benefits from the host without harming it, while an endosymbiont lives inside the host and provides a benefit. Ectosymbionts live on the surface of the host and provide a benefit.