Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Structure of cell wall. When studying a bacterial smear stained by the Ozheshko method, the focus is on the cell wall structure. This staining method highlights the cell wall morphology, allowing for detailed examination. Flagella, spores, and capsules are not typically visualized using this staining method. Flagella require special staining techniques, spores are usually observed through specific staining methods like Schaeffer-Fulton, and capsules are not easily visualized with the Ozheshko staining method. Therefore, the structure of the cell wall is the most relevant feature to study in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Binary fission. Binary fission is a method of bacterial cell division, not a method of acquiring genetic material. Transformation, conjugation, and transduction are mechanisms through which bacteria can acquire genetic material from other sources. Transformation involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment, conjugation is the transfer of genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact, and transduction is the transfer of genetic material via bacteriophages. Therefore, binary fission is the only option that does not involve the acquisition of new genetic material.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (25�C) because dimorphic fungi typically grow as molds at lower temperatures. At 25�C, the fungus is likely in its mold phase, which is the preferred temperature range for mold growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 15�C and 20�C are too low for optimal mold growth, and 37�C is too high as it typically favors the yeast phase of dimorphic fungi. Therefore, the preferred temperature for mold growth of a dimorphic fungus is 25�C.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood agar. Pneumococci are fastidious bacteria that require enriched media for cultivation. Blood agar provides essential nutrients and growth factors needed for the growth of pneumococci. It contains sheep blood, which provides hemin and NAD, supporting the growth of these bacteria. Kligler iron agar (A) is used for differentiating enteric bacteria based on glucose and lactose fermentation. Apocholate citrate agar (C) is used for the selective isolation of Escherichia coli. Peptone water (D) is a non-selective medium used for the initial cultivation of microorganisms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed produce toxins that cause damage to host tissues. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin toxin causing tetanus, Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus releases toxins causing tissue damage in various infections. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct in terms of producing toxins that harm host tissues.