What is another name for an axenic animal?

• A. Germ-free animal
• B. Clean-gut animal
• C. Normal flora animal
• D. Aflora animal

Answer: (A)

In this topic, the key idea is the exact term used to describe animals raised without any microorganisms. An axenic animal is completely germ-free, kept in sterile conditions so no microbes are present in or on the animal. This is why germ-free animal is the best descriptor—it directly communicates the absence of all living microorganisms.

Other terms aren’t standard or imply different conditions. “Clean-gut” isn’t a recognized lab term and doesn’t specify the absence of microbes. “Normal flora” refers to the usual microorganisms that living organisms host, which is the opposite of being axenic. “Aflora” isn’t a commonly used label in this context and doesn’t clearly convey germ-free status.