Some strains of the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes secrete poisonous substances called exotoxins. The genes encoding the exotoxins are thought to have originated in bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria.

Which of the following is the most likely mechanism by which the S. pyogenes acquired the ability to produce the exotoxins?

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A bacteriophase is a virus that infects bacteria. During infection, the phage transfers its genetic material which can integrate with the host DNA.

Viruses do not have the ability to engulf bacteria, which are usually larger than viruses.

Viruses are unlikely to activate bacterial cell division. Even if they were, this would not explain how the genes are transferred over.

Bacteria cells are unlikely to absorb viral particles. Endocytosis is typically reserved for eukaryotic cells.