microbiology test bank

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.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: acidic pH. The reproductive tract's acidic pH serves as a defense mechanism by creating an environment hostile to many pathogens, preventing microbial infection. The acidic pH helps to inhibit the growth and survival of harmful microorganisms. A: Alkaline pH would actually be more favorable for microbial growth as most pathogens thrive in neutral to alkaline pH environments. C: High sugar concentration can actually promote microbial growth as many pathogens feed on sugars. D: High body temperature may help in some cases, but it is not as effective as an acidic pH in preventing microbial infection in the reproductive tract.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) as all three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Neisseria meningitidis) produce endotoxins causing fever and shock. Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and can trigger an immune response leading to fever and shock. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are common causes of food poisoning and sepsis, while Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Therefore, all three choices are correct in producing endotoxins that can cause fever and shock.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause spongiform encephalopathy by inducing normal proteins to misfold as well. Prions lack genetic material, distinguishing them from viruses (B), bacteria (C), and fungi (D), which all contain genetic material and cannot directly cause spongiform encephalopathy through protein misfolding.