openstax microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Plasmids. Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria that can replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome. They carry additional genetic information, such as antibiotic resistance genes or virulence factors. Mesosomes (choice A) are not involved in carrying genetic information; they are infoldings of the cell membrane. Ribosomes (choice C) are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis, not carriers of genetic information. Choice D is incorrect as plasmids are indeed extrachromosomal carriers of genetic information in bacteria.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Peptidoglycan. Bacterial cell walls are primarily composed of peptidoglycan, a unique molecule consisting of alternating sugar chains connected by peptide cross-links. This structure provides rigidity and shape to the cell wall, protecting the bacterial cell from osmotic pressure. Lipopolysaccharides (A) are found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Cellulose (B) is a component of plant cell walls, not bacterial cell walls. Chitin (D) is a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and fungi, not in bacterial cell walls.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clostridium tetani. This bacterium produces tetanospasmin toxin, causing tetanus. Clostridium botulinum (choice A) produces botulinum toxin, leading to botulism. Bacillus anthracis (choice C) causes anthrax, not tetanus. Staphylococcus aureus (choice D) can cause various infections, but not tetanus. Therefore, only Clostridium tetani is the causative agent of tetanus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas bacteria are known to produce yellow-green pigment and a characteristic odor, specifically in meat-peptone agar. This is due to the production of pyoverdin pigment by Pseudomonas. Other choices like Escherichia, Proteus, Klebsiella, and Azotobacter do not typically produce yellow-green pigment or have a characteristic odor in meat-peptone agar. Therefore, based on the specific characteristics mentioned in the question, Pseudomonas is the most appropriate choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: phialospores. Phialospores are conidiospores that bud off from a vase-shaped spore-bearing cell called a phialide. This structure is characteristic of fungi in the genus Penicillium. Arthrospores (A) are formed by the fragmentation of hyphae, porospores (B) are not a recognized term in mycology, and blastospores (D) are produced by budding from yeast cells. Therefore, C is the correct choice based on the specific description provided in the question.