foundations in microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice A being correct: 1. Penicillin allergy involves IgE antibodies binding to penicillin. 2. This triggers mast cell degranulation, releasing histamine. 3. Histamine causes allergic symptoms like rash, swelling. 4. This immune response characterizes Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Summary of other choices: B: Type II reactions involve antibody-mediated cell destruction, not seen in penicillin allergy. C: Type III reactions involve immune complex deposition, not typical in penicillin allergy. D: Type IV reactions are delayed hypersensitivity reactions, not immediate like penicillin allergy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because plasmids do not encode essential bacterial properties. They are non-essential, extra-chromosomal DNA molecules that can replicate independently within bacterial cells. Plasmids mainly contain genes for antibiotic resistance, genetic transfer, and other specific functions. Choice A is correct as many plasmids do carry antibiotic resistance genes. Choice B is also accurate as plasmids are indeed smaller, circular, and exist outside the bacterial chromosome. Choice D is true as plasmids can facilitate bacterial conjugation, allowing the transfer of genetic material between bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: They are enveloped viruses. Rhabdoviridae family consists of enveloped viruses, which means they have a lipid envelope surrounding their protein coat. This envelope helps the virus in infecting host cells and evading the immune system. The other choices are incorrect because B: They cause plague is not true as Rhabdoviridae family typically causes diseases like rabies in mammals. C: They have spherical shape is incorrect as rhabdoviruses have a bullet-shaped structure. D: They infect only humans is also incorrect as Rhabdoviridae viruses can infect a wide range of hosts beyond just humans.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because isolating a defined microorganism in pure culture involves obtaining a single, distinct colony on solid media. This ensures that only one type of microorganism is present in the culture, preventing contamination. Liquid media can harbor multiple organisms, making it challenging to isolate a specific microorganism. Therefore, choice A is incorrect. Choice B is also incorrect as liquid nutrient media does not provide the necessary isolation required for pure culture. Choice D is incorrect because isolating from single colonies on solid media allows for the pure culture of the defined microorganism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is responsible for stomach acid formation by producing an enzyme called urease, which converts urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in stomach pH. Staphylococcus aureus (A) does not cause stomach acid formation. Bacillus cereus (C) and Clostridium botulinum (D) are not involved in stomach acid processes.