microbiology an evolving science test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gram staining method. This method involves staining with gentian violet, followed by Lugol's solution, 96% alcohol decolorization, and counterstaining with safranin or water-magenta. This staining sequence allows for the differentiation of bacteria based on their cell wall composition. In the case of lobar pneumonia, the causative agent is typically a bacterium with a cell wall that retains the crystal violet stain after decolorization with alcohol, indicating a Gram-positive bacterium. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Ziehl-Nielsen staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not for lobar pneumonia. C: Romanovsky staining is primarily used in the identification of blood cells and blood parasites, not for bacteria. D: Neisser staining is not a commonly used staining method in microbiology for bacterial identification.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. When these bacteria undergo cell lysis, the endotoxins are released, causing harmful effects. This process does not occur during bacterial replication (choice A), antibody production (choice C), or formation of spores (choice D). Bacterial replication involves the creation of new bacterial cells, not the release of endotoxins. Antibody production is the immune response to pathogens, not the direct cause of endotoxin release. Spores are dormant structures formed by some bacteria, which are not directly related to the release of endotoxins.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Microaerophiles. These bacteria grow best in environments with low oxygen levels. They require oxygen for respiration but at lower concentrations than what is present in the atmosphere. This allows them to thrive in conditions where oxygen is limited but not completely absent. A: Facultative anaerobes can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. B: Obligate aerobes require oxygen for growth. D: Obligate anaerobes cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and typically grow in anaerobic environments. In summary, microaerophiles are the correct choice as they specifically thrive in low oxygen environments, distinguishing them from the other options.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Commensalism. In this relationship, the skin microflora benefits from the host without causing harm or benefitting it. This is evident in the mutualistic interaction where the microflora receive nutrients and a place to live, while the host remains unaffected. Choice B, Infection, is incorrect because it implies harm to the host. Choice C, Parasitism, is also incorrect as it involves one organism benefiting at the expense of the other. Choice D, No correct answer, is not applicable here as Commensalism accurately describes the relationship between the macroorganism and skin microflora.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Endo agar is a selective and differential media commonly used to isolate gram-negative bacteria. Step 2: Colorless colonies on Endo agar indicate the absence of lactose fermentation. Step 3: Salmonella is a gram-negative bacterium that does not ferment lactose, leading to colorless colonies on Endo agar. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Salmonella. Summary: B: Escherichia coli ferments lactose, producing pink colonies on Endo agar. C: Staphylococcus is a gram-positive bacterium and would not grow on Endo agar. D: Shigella is a gram-negative bacterium but ferments lactose, resulting in pink colonies on Endo agar.