Three Different Bacteria Are Cultured in One Dish and Feed

question 131

Multiple Choice

Three different bacteria are cultured in one dish and feed on three nutrients. Each individual of species I consumes 1 unit of each of the first and second nutrients and 2 units of the third nutrient. Each individual of species II consumes 2 units of the first nutrient and 2 units of the third nutrient. Each individual of species III consumes 2 units of the first nutrient, 3 units of the second nutrient, and 5 units of the third nutrient. Let x₁, x₂ and x₃ represent species I, II and III respectively. If the culture is given units of the first nutrient, units of the second nutrient, and units of the third nutrient, how many of each species can be supported such that all of the nutrients are consumed? ​

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Definitions:

Rate Determining

Describes the slowest step in a chemical reaction that determines the overall rate at which the reaction proceeds.

Sigma Complex

An intermediate structure in a chemical reaction where a sigma bond is formed between the electrophile and the nucleophile.

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution

A reaction where an aromatic ring undergoes substitution by an electrophile, retaining the aromaticity of the compound.

Nitration

A chemical reaction that introduces a nitro group (NO2) into an organic compound, usually involving the substitution of an H atom, often used to synthesize explosives or other nitro compounds.