Foundations in Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fluconazole. 1. Fluconazole is an antifungal agent effective against Candida species commonly causing candidiasis. 2. Streptomycin (B) is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, not fungal. 3. Phthalylsulfathiazole (C) is an antibacterial agent, not antifungal. 4. Ampicillin (D) is a ?-lactam antibiotic, which can actually contribute to fungal infections like candidiasis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, as Gram-negative bacteria have a cell wall containing lipopolysaccharides. This outer membrane structure is unique to Gram-negative bacteria and plays a critical role in pathogenicity and immune response. Teichoic acid (choice A) is found in Gram-positive bacteria. The cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria is thinner than that of Gram-positive bacteria (choice B). The cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria is not composed entirely of peptidoglycan (choice D), as it also contains other components like lipopolysaccharides.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common Gram-negative rod that is a non-lactose fermenter and a common cause of severe pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It is also known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. Summary of other choices: B: Escherichia coli is a lactose fermenter and is not commonly associated with severe pneumonia. C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a lactose fermenter and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in alcoholics or debilitated patients. D: Enterobacter cloacae is a lactose fermenter and is not a common cause of severe pneumonia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: amensalism. Penicillin mold produces a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria, but it does not benefit nor harm the bacteria directly. This relationship is characterized by one organism (the mold) negatively affecting another (the bacteria) without any benefit or harm to itself. In parasitism (A), one organism benefits at the expense of another. In mutualism (B), both organisms benefit from the relationship. In commensalism (C), one organism benefits while the other is unaffected. Therefore, the mold producing penicillin fits the definition of amensalism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fluconazole. 1. Fluconazole is an antifungal agent effective against Candida species commonly causing candidiasis. 2. Streptomycin (B) is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, not fungal. 3. Phthalylsulfathiazole (C) is an antibacterial agent, not antifungal. 4. Ampicillin (D) is a ?-lactam antibiotic, which can actually contribute to fungal infections like candidiasis.