Microbiology Chapter 12 Test Bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of atypical pneumonia and is known to be resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. The description of microorganisms forming microscopic colonies with a dense center resembling fried eggs is characteristic of Mycoplasma pneumoniae colonies seen on special media. Summary of other choices: B: Klebsiella pneumoniae is not typically associated with atypical pneumonia and does not exhibit the described colony morphology. C: Streptococcus pneumoniae is not resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and does not produce colonies with the described appearance. D: Legionella pneumophila is associated with Legionnaires' disease, not atypical pneumonia, and does not form colonies resembling fried eggs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed are capable of producing exotoxins that can cause severe diarrhea. Escherichia coli can produce toxins that lead to diarrhea. Clostridium botulinum produces a neurotoxin causing botulism, which can also result in diarrhea. Vibrio cholerae is known for producing cholera toxin, a potent exotoxin that causes severe watery diarrhea. The other choices are incorrect because each bacterium listed is capable of producing a toxin that can cause diarrhea.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: abiogenesis. Spontaneous generation refers to the idea that living organisms can arise from non-living matter, which was disproven by Louis Pasteur. Abiogenesis specifically refers to the origin of life from non-living matter, making it synonymous with spontaneous generation. Biogenesis (A) is the principle that living organisms only come from other living organisms. Evolution (C) is the process of gradual change in species over time. Spontaneity (D) refers to happening without external cause and is not directly related to the concept of spontaneous generation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of cholera, which presents with severe watery diarrhea leading to dehydration. The characteristic comma-shaped (curved rod) appearance of Gram-negative bacteria is typical of Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium produces the cholera toxin, leading to the excessive secretion of fluid into the intestines. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever with symptoms like sustained fever, not watery diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Escherichia coli can cause various types of infections, but typically not severe watery diarrhea like cholera.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: peroxisomes. Peroxisomes contain oxidative enzymes, such as catalase and peroxidase, that are capable of oxidizing toxic substances. These enzymes help detoxify harmful molecules by breaking them down into harmless products. Lysosomes (choices B and C) contain hydrolytic enzymes for breaking down cellular waste, not oxidative enzymes. Therefore, the correct choice is peroxisomes due to their specific function in detoxification through oxidation reactions.