openstax microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Gram-positive cocci in pairs indicate Streptococcus pneumoniae. 2. Presence of a capsule points to S. pneumoniae as it has a polysaccharide capsule. 3. S. pneumoniae commonly causes sore throat. 4. Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are not typically associated with sore throat.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: placenta. The placenta is a highly specialized structure that forms during pregnancy and serves as a barrier, protecting the fetus from harmful microorganisms that could potentially harm the developing baby. It facilitates the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste between the mother and fetus while preventing the passage of most bacteria and viruses. The uterus (A) is the organ where the fetus develops, but it does not have the specific protective functions of the placenta. The vagina (C) is the birth canal and does not provide protection from microorganisms for the fetus. The mammary gland (D) is responsible for producing milk after birth and is not directly involved in protecting the fetus from microorganisms during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Loefler. This staining method is used for identifying Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causative agent of diphtheria. It involves using methylene blue and basic fuchsin to stain the bacteria. The yellow bacilli with blue grains at their ends indicate the characteristic appearance of C. diphtheriae when stained using the Loefler method. Choice A: Ziehl-Nielsen is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Choice B: Kozlovsky is not a standard staining method in microbiology. Choice C: Romanovsky is used for blood smears to identify malaria parasites.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Giardia lamblia. Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan with two nuclei, known as the "falling leaf" appearance. It causes diarrhea in humans through ingestion of contaminated water or food. Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery, characterized by bloody diarrhea and colitis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted protozoan causing vaginal discharge but is not found in stool. Balantidium coli is a ciliated protozoan causing diarrhea but does not have flagellated forms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is capable of forming spores, which are dormant, resistant structures that help bacteria survive harsh conditions. Staphylococcus aureus (A), Escherichia coli (C), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (D) do not form spores. Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium that does not produce spores. Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium that also does not form spores. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative bacterium and does not have the ability to form spores. Therefore, the only bacteria among the options that can form spores is Clostridium botulinum.