microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gram staining. This method is used to differentiate bacteria based on their cell wall composition. In cholera, the causative agent is Vibrio cholerae, which is Gram-negative. By performing Gram staining, the bacteria will appear pink/red under the microscope, confirming the presence of Gram-negative bacteria. Choice B: Neisser's staining is used for staining capsules of bacteria, not suitable for confirming cholera diagnosis. Choice C: Ziehl-Neelsen staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not for confirming cholera diagnosis. Choice D: Burri-Gins staining is not a standard staining method in microbiology and is not relevant for confirming cholera diagnosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fimbriae in bacteria are hair-like appendages that help in adhesion to surfaces. This is essential for colonization and infection. Fimbriae do not provide motility (flagella do), facilitate protein synthesis (ribosomes do), or help in endospore formation (specialized structures do). Adhesion is the primary function of fimbriae, allowing bacteria to stick to host cells or abiotic surfaces.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, promoting plant growth. Denitrifying bacteria (B) convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen. Photosynthetic bacteria (C) use photosynthesis to produce energy and don't fix nitrogen. Fermentative bacteria (D) break down organic compounds without fixing nitrogen. In summary, only nitrogen-fixing bacteria (A) play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is considered a reemerging disease due to the increase in drug-resistant strains, high global prevalence, and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This is supported by global health organizations' reports on the resurgence of TB cases. A: AIDS is not considered a reemerging disease as there has been significant progress in HIV prevention and treatment. B: Ebola outbreaks are sporadic and localized, not considered reemerging on a global scale. C: West Nile virus outbreaks occur periodically, but it is not considered a reemerging disease compared to TB.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because hemagglutinin of influenza viruses serves as an attachment molecule to the receptor of the target cell, facilitating viral entry. This is crucial for the virus to infect host cells. Choice A is incorrect because hemagglutinin is not part of the viral capsid but rather a surface protein. Choice B is incorrect as hemagglutinin is not directly involved in viral replication, but in host cell attachment. Choice D is incorrect as hemagglutinin is highly antigenic, triggering the host's immune response.