mcgraw hill microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: High amount of mycolic acids. Mycobacteria are characterized by their unique cell wall composition, which includes a high amount of mycolic acids. Mycolic acids provide the bacteria with resistance to environmental stresses and are crucial for their pathogenicity. Polysaccharides (A) are not a prominent component of mycobacterial cell walls. While lipids (B) are present in mycobacterial cell walls, mycolic acids are the predominant lipid. Proteins (D) are also present but are not the defining feature of mycobacterial cell walls. Therefore, the correct answer is C due to the significant role mycolic acids play in the structure and function of mycobacterial cell walls.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To determine the antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms. PCR is not suitable for determining antibiotic susceptibility as it is a technique used to amplify DNA/RNA, not to test for antibiotic resistance. To prove latent infection (A), PCR can be used to detect low levels of pathogens. For rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases (B), PCR is commonly used due to its sensitivity and specificity. To demonstrate DNA and RNA molecules (D), PCR is ideal as it can amplify and detect specific sequences. Therefore, choice C is incorrect as PCR is not designed for determining antibiotic susceptibility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-negative bacillus indicates P. aeruginosa, known for causing wound infections. Step 2: Semi-transparent mucous colonies of blue-green color with a pearlescent appearance are characteristic of P. aeruginosa. Step 3: Specific odor of violets or jasmine is a unique feature of P. aeruginosa. Therefore, the correct answer is A: P. aeruginosa. Summary: - B: P. vulgaris typically forms yellow colonies and doesn't have the characteristic odor. - C: S. aureus forms creamy white colonies, not blue-green, and has a distinct odor. - D: S. pyogenes forms grayish-white colonies and doesn't have the unique characteristics described.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Jenner. Edward Jenner performed the first vaccination against smallpox in 1796 by using cowpox virus to immunize individuals. He observed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox did not get smallpox, leading to the development of the smallpox vaccine. Pasteur is known for germ theory, Semmelweis for handwashing in healthcare, and Koch for identifying the causative agents of diseases. However, none of them performed the first smallpox vaccination like Jenner.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in the lytic cycle, the bacteriophage destroys the host cell upon release, whereas in the lysogenic cycle, the phage integrates its DNA into the host genome without killing the host immediately. This integration may lead to the destruction of the host cell at a later stage. Choice B is incorrect as lytic phages do destroy the host cell. Choice C is incorrect as the two cycles have distinct mechanisms. Choice D is incorrect as there are clear differences between the lytic and lysogenic cycles.