Question

Agrocin-84 is -

• A. Antibiotic
• B. Bacteriocin
• C. Phenolic compound
• D. Enzyme

Hint:

Agrocin-84 = Biological Weapon for Bacteria.
It is the "Secret Sauce" of Agrobacterium radiobacter (K84).
Use it to remember biological control: K84 VS Crown Gall.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the nature of "Agrocin-84," a specific substance used in biological control in agriculture.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Definition of Bacteriocin:
Bacteriocins are proteinaceous toxins produced by bacteria to inhibit the growth of similar or closely related bacterial strains. They are often narrow-spectrum compared to traditional antibiotics.

• Nature of Agrocin-84:
Agrocin-84 is a specialized bacteriocin (specifically a nucleotide analog) produced by the non-pathogenic soil bacterium Agrobacterium radiobacter (strain K84).
It is used as a biological control agent against "Crown Gall" disease, which is caused by the pathogenic bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

• How it Works:
Agrocin-84 mimics a nutrient that the pathogen needs. The pathogen takes up the Agrocin-84, which then interferes with its protein synthesis, effectively killing the harmful bacteria without affecting other beneficial soil microbes.

• Significance:
This was one of the first and most successful examples of using one bacterium to control another in a commercial agricultural setting. Roots of nursery stock are often dipped in a suspension of Strain K84 before planting to protect them from infection.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Agrocin-84 is classified as a Bacteriocin.