A student is reading about a bacterium that affects a host’s digestive system. The bacterium undergoes a mutation that results in the production of a protein different from the one originally coded for by the nucleus. The new protein provides the bacterium with a slime coating that is not affected by common antibiotics.



Which statement describes how this mutation most likely affects the bacterium?

A
The mutation is beneficial for the bacterium since it provides protection. The mutation does not affect the host since mutated bacteria cannot reproduce.

B
The mutation is not beneficial for the bacterium since it changes the genetic code of the bacterium. The mutation does not affect the host since mutated bacteria cannot reproduce.

C
The mutation is beneficial for the bacterium since it provides protection. The mutation negatively affects the host since the bacterium will be more likely to reproduce.

D
The mutation is not beneficial for the bacterium since it changes the genetic code of the bacterium. The mutation negatively affects the host since the bacterium will be more likely to reproduce.