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The ability of Clostridium tetani to produce exotoxins is encoded by?

  • A. genes with chromosomal location
  • B. clostridium tetani is not capable of producing exotoxins, it has only endotoxin activity
  • C. genes with plasmid location
  • D. chromosomal and plasmid location
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: genes with plasmid location. Clostridium tetani produces exotoxins through genes located on plasmids. Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements that carry additional genes. These genes encode for the production of exotoxins in Clostridium tetani. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Clostridium tetani does produce exotoxins, it does not have only endotoxin activity, and the genes responsible for exotoxin production are located on plasmids, not solely on the chromosome or both chromosome and plasmid.