​Which one of the following is a small sulfated peptide that is secreted by a rice pathogenic bacterium, Xanthomonas oryzae, to modulate motility, biofilm formation and virulence?​

Correct option is C

Explanation-​

Option a - Coronatine
Incorrect
Coronatine is a phytotoxin produced by Pseudomonas syringae, not Xanthomonas oryzae. It mimics jasmonic acid but is unrelated to the sulfated peptide in question.

Option b  - N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs)
 Incorrect
These are quorum-sensing molecules in Gram-negative bacteria, but not small sulfated peptides, and Xanthomonas oryzae does not typically use AHLs.

Option c - Ax21
Correct
Ax21 (Activator of XA21-mediated immunity) is a small sulfated peptide secreted by Xanthomonas oryzae. It plays a crucial role in regulating motility, biofilm formation, and virulence. It is also involved in triggering host immune responses.

Option d - EPS (Exopolysaccharides)
Incorrect
While EPS is important for biofilm formation and virulence, it is not a peptide, and certainly not sulfated. It is a polysaccharide.

So, the correct answer is option c — Ax21
Ax21 is the correct small sulfated peptide secreted by Xanthomonas oryzae for modulating motility, biofilm formation, and virulence.