Two Bacterial Strains Have the Same Genes for Metabolizing a Carbohydrate

Multiple Choice

Two bacterial strains have the same genes for metabolizing a carbohydrate, but one is wild-type for a regulatory inducer while the other does not produce the inducer. Which of the following statements is CORRECT with regard to the metabolism of the bacteria?

A) The two bacterial strains have the same phenotype.
B) The two bacterial strains have different phenotypes.
C) The genotypes and phenotypes of the two bacterial strains are the same.
D) The two bacterial strains have the same phenotype but have different genotypes.
E) The answer cannot be determined from the information provided.