Why are mice killed by smooth (S) strains of Streptococcus, but not rough (R) strains?

Question

Why are mice killed by smooth (S) strains of Streptococcus, but not rough (R) strains? (A) Rough strains are virulent, and smooth strains are not. (B) Rough strains have a polysaccharide capsule that makes the mouse immune system recognize and destroy them. (C) Smooth strains have a polysaccharide capsule, which hides them from the mouse immune system. (D) Smooth strains grow faster than rough strains.

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

Correct answer is (c) Smooth strains have a polysaccharide capsule, which hides them from the mouse immune system.

Q. Why are mice killed by smooth (S) strains of Streptococcus, but not rough (R) strains?

Rough strains are virulent, and smooth strains are not.

Rough strains have a polysaccharide capsule that makes the mouse immune system recognize and destroy them.

Smooth strains have a polysaccharide capsule, which hides them from the mouse immune system.

Smooth strains grow faster than rough strains.

Correct answer is (c) Smooth strains have a polysaccharide capsule, which hides them from the mouse immune system.