microbiology chapter 12 test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-positive diplococci suggest a pneumococcal infection. Step 2: Catalase-negative indicates Streptococcus. Step 3: Alpha-hemolysis matches S. pneumoniae's characteristics. Therefore, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is catalase-positive, Neisseria meningitidis (C) is Gram-negative, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is not diplococci or alpha-hemolytic.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of flagella in a bacterial cell represents the H-antigen. Flagella are protein structures on the cell surface that play a role in bacterial motility. The H-antigen refers to the flagellar antigen, which is involved in immune responses and bacterial identification. Option A is correct because flagella are specifically associated with the H-antigen. Summarily, choices B and C are incorrect because the O-antigen and K-antigen are associated with lipopolysaccharide and capsule antigens, respectively, not flagella. Option D is incorrect as well because the correct association is with the H-antigen.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Oval, round, elongated chains of gemmating cells indicate yeast-like budding cells seen in Candida species. Step 2: Candidosis is caused by Candida species, which is commonly found in the oral cavity and can cause infections on the tongue. Step 3: Candidosis presents as white patches or plaques on the tongue. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Candidosis. Summary: B: Actinomycosis is caused by Actinomyces species, which are filamentous bacteria, not oval budding cells. C: Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which appears as gram-positive rods in chains, not oval budding cells. D: Staphylococcal infections are caused by Staphylococcus species, which appear as clusters of cocci, not oval budding cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacterial endospores. Bacterial endospores have a higher resistance to environmental stresses due to their unique structure, which includes a tough outer layer that protects the spore from harsh conditions such as heat, chemicals, and radiation. This protective layer allows endospores to remain dormant and survive in unfavorable environments until conditions improve. Summary: B: Fungal spores - While fungal spores can also survive in harsh conditions, they are generally not as resistant as bacterial endospores due to differences in their protective structures. C: Enveloped viruses - Enveloped viruses are susceptible to environmental stresses as their lipid envelope can easily be damaged by heat, chemicals, and other factors. D: Vegetative bacterial cells - Vegetative bacterial cells are more susceptible to environmental stresses compared to endospores, as they do not have the same level of protective mechanisms to survive in unfavorable conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed are capable of producing exotoxins that can cause severe diarrhea. Escherichia coli can produce toxins that lead to diarrhea. Clostridium botulinum produces a neurotoxin causing botulism, which can also result in diarrhea. Vibrio cholerae is known for producing cholera toxin, a potent exotoxin that causes severe watery diarrhea. The other choices are incorrect because each bacterium listed is capable of producing a toxin that can cause diarrhea.