foundations in microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Survival. Bacterial spores are specialized structures that bacteria form to survive harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures or lack of nutrients. Spores are not used for protection against phagocytosis (A) as they are dormant structures and not actively involved in defense mechanisms. They are not for reproduction (B) as spores are a form of bacterial reproduction but not the primary purpose of spore formation. Spores do not serve as nutrient storage (D) as they are mainly used for survival during unfavorable conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Capsule. A capsule is a mucous structure tightly bound to the bacterial cell wall with distinct outer boundaries. This structure helps bacteria evade the host immune system, resist desiccation, and adhere to surfaces. In contrast, spores are resistant structures formed by certain bacteria for survival, filaments are long chains of bacterial cells, and ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. Therefore, based on the characteristics described in the question, the most appropriate choice is A: Capsule.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because adaptive immunity is not mainly observed in the skin and mucous membranes. Adaptive immunity is a systemic response that involves specific immune cells and antibodies targeting specific pathogens. It develops immune memory (B), meaning it can recognize and respond faster upon re-exposure to the same pathogen. Adaptive immunity also has specificity (C), as it can target specific antigens. Lastly, adaptive immunity is not evolutionarily newer in comparison to innate immunity (D), as both systems have co-evolved to provide comprehensive protection against pathogens.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis is the causative agent of plague, a serious infectious disease transmitted through fleas. It causes bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic plague. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, Rickettsia prowazekii causes epidemic typhus, and Treponema pallidum causes syphilis. Y. pestis is the correct answer because it is specifically associated with plague, making the other options incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming bacterium that can survive for decades in the soil. 2. The spores are resistant to harsh conditions and can remain dormant for long periods. 3. This resilience allows Bacillus anthracis to persist in the old cattle burial ground for over 50 years. 4. Mycobacterium bovis, Brucella abortus, and Francisella tularensis are not known for long-term survival in soil. Summary: - Mycobacterium bovis, Brucella abortus, and Francisella tularensis do not have the spore-forming ability. - Mycobacterium bovis causes tuberculosis in cattle. - Brucella abortus causes brucellosis in cattle. - Francisella tularensis causes tularemia in animals and humans.