Answer
Bases neutralize acids to produce salt and water. Ammonia is basic and the mutant species of Burkholderia cannot produce oxalic acid. Therefore the ammonia accumulates and is not neutralized by the oxalic acid (since none of it is produced). This way the mutant species are eliminated. Normal Burkholderia bacteria can produce oxalic acid which neutralizes the excess ammonia keeping its concentration low, this way the normal Burkholderia cells survive.
Work Step by Step
Bases neutralize acids to produce salt and water. Ammonia is basic and the mutant species of Burkholderia cannot produce oxalic acid. Therefore the ammonia accumulates and is not neutralized by the oxalic acid (since none of it is produced). This way the mutant species are eliminated. Normal Burkholderia bacteria can produce oxalic acid which neutralizes the excess ammonia keeping its concentration low, this way the normal Burkholderia cells survive.
