## Core Concept
Tellurite is a selective agent used in microbiology to stimulate the growth of certain bacteria while inhibiting others. It is particularly known for its use in the isolation and cultivation of *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*, the causative agent of diphtheria.

## Why the Correct Answer is Right
Tellurite acts as a selective agent because *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* is relatively resistant to its toxic effects. This allows *C. diphtheriae* to grow on tellurite-containing media, such as tellurite agar or modified tellurite agar, while many other bacteria are inhibited or killed. The mechanism behind tellurite resistance in *C. diphtheriae* involves reduction of tellurite to elemental tellurium, which deposits in the bacterial cells, giving them a characteristic black or dark appearance on tellurite agar.

## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the specific bacteria that grow on tellurite are not listed here; however, based on the context, it can be inferred that this option does not represent *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*.
- **Option B:** Similarly, this option does not correspond with the known effects of tellurite on bacterial growth, specifically regarding *C. diphtheriae*.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately represent the bacteria that are stimulated to grow by tellurite.

## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* can be isolated on tellurite agar. This is crucial for diagnosing diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening infection. The ability to grow on tellurite agar is a characteristic feature used in the laboratory identification of *C. diphtheriae*.

## Correct Answer: C. *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*.