Select the correct answer(s) A bacterial colony arises from __ Answer a. 2 separate cells that join to form one colony b. a CFU c. a single cell d. 10 cells

The correct answers are **b** and **c**.<br /><br />* **b. a CFU (Colony Forming Unit):** A CFU is a single viable cell or a small group of cells that can grow and divide to form a visible colony. While a colony *looks* like it arises from many cells, it originates from this single unit.<br /><br />* **c. a single cell:** This is the most fundamental answer. A single bacterium reproduces asexually through binary fission, creating a genetically identical colony.<br /><br />**Why the other options are incorrect:**<br /><br />* **a. 2 separate cells that join to form one colony:** Bacterial colonies arise from asexual reproduction, not the joining of two separate cells.<br />* **d. 10 cells:** While a small cluster of cells *could* theoretically form a colony, the fundamental concept is that a colony originates from a single viable cell or CFU. Using 10 cells as a starting point is misleading.<br />