Two bacterial strains have the same genes for metabolizing carbohydrates, but one is wild-type for a regulatory inducer while the other does not produce the inducer. Which of the following statements is CORRECT with regard to the metabolism of the bacteria?
a. The two bacterial strains have the same phenotype.
b. The two bacterial strains have different phenotypes.
c. The genotypes and phenotypes of the two bacterial strains are the same.
d. The two bacterial strains have the same phenotype but have different genotypes.
e. The answer cannot be determined from the information provided.

b. The two bacterial strains have different phenotypes.

Explanation:

In genetics, the trait that is expressed is often referred to as the dominant trait and it can also be expresssed phenotypically.

Since one of the bacteria produces the inducer, it therefore means that bacteria has the dominant strain for the regulatory inducer while the other bacteria might have the strain but since it is not expressed phenotypically, it is as a result not dominant.

Phenotype refers to the physical appearance of an organism as a result of the interaction of its genes with the environment. Examples of phenotypic expresssions are hair colour, skin colour, height, etc.