You discover a new species of bacteria that grows in aquatic environments with high salt levels. While studying these bacteria, you note that their internal environment is similar to the salt concentrations in their surroundings. You also discover that the internal salt concentrations of the bacteria change as the salt concentration in their environment changes. The new species can tolerate small changes in this way, but dies from large changes because it has no mechanism for altering its own internal salt levels. What type of homeostatic mechanism is this species using to regulate its internal salt levels?

The question is incomplete as it does not have the options which are:

A) conformation

B) regulation

C) integration

D) assimilation

Answer:

A) conformation

Explanation:

The halophiles are the species of bacteria which are adapted to grow in the saline or high salt conditions. These bacteria survive in the alt conditions by making changes in their inside or cytoplasmic salt condition.

This cytoplasmic salt concentration is maintained by the changes in the structure of halophilic protein or conformation of the halophilic proteins which changes with the change in the amount of salt concentration present outside. The halophilic proteins allow the transport of the potassium ions in the cell.

Thus, conformation is correct.