microbiology chapter 12 test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obligate aerobes. These bacteria require oxygen for their survival and growth. They utilize oxygen in their metabolic processes and cannot survive in the absence of oxygen. Choice A, obligate anaerobes, cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Choice B, facultative anaerobes, can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism based on oxygen availability. Choice D, aerotolerant anaerobes, can tolerate the presence of oxygen but do not require it for their growth. Therefore, the most appropriate term for bacteria that require oxygen for survival is obligate aerobes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the options are essential for a PCR reaction. A: DNA segment is required as the template for amplification. B: Two oligonucleotide primers are needed to initiate DNA replication. C: Heat stable DNA polymerase (not just heat stable DNA) is crucial for withstanding the high temperatures during PCR. In summary, without any of these components, the PCR reaction cannot proceed effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Inhibits protein synthesis. Exotoxin of C. Diphtheriae acts by inhibiting protein synthesis in host cells. This disrupts cellular functions and leads to tissue damage. Choice A is incorrect because acetylcholine release is not affected. Choice B is incorrect as it does not involve neurotransmitters. Choice D is incorrect as the exotoxin does have a specific mechanism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Treponema pallidum. The scenario describes symptoms of primary syphilis, which is caused by Treponema pallidum. The presence of a painless ulcer (chancre) and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes are characteristic of syphilis. Dark field microscopic examination showing motile, curved spirochetes is highly specific for Treponema pallidum. Incorrect explanations: A: Chlamydia trachomatis typically causes urethritis or cervicitis, not painless ulcers. C: Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, which presents with purulent discharge, not painless ulcers. D: Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes genital herpes, leading to painful ulcers and vesicles, not painless ulcers seen in syphilis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the botulinum neurotoxin, which causes paralysis by blocking the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions. Clostridium perfringens causes gas gangrene, not paralysis. Escherichia coli is associated with gastrointestinal infections, not paralysis. Staphylococcus aureus produces enterotoxins causing food poisoning, not paralysis. Therefore, Clostridium botulinum is the correct choice based on its well-known association with paralysis due to botulinum neurotoxin production.