microbiology test bank

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: Binary fission. Binary fission is a method of bacterial cell division, not a method of acquiring genetic material. Transformation, conjugation, and transduction are mechanisms through which bacteria can acquire genetic material from other sources. Transformation involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment, conjugation is the transfer of genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact, and transduction is the transfer of genetic material via bacteriophages. Therefore, binary fission is the only option that does not involve the acquisition of new genetic material.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Escherichia coli. E. coli is a common bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract and is a leading cause of UTIs. It has specific virulence factors that enable it to adhere to and infect the urinary tract. Salmonella enterica causes food poisoning, Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, and Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat and skin infections, not UTIs. Therefore, B is the correct answer as it is the only bacterium known for causing UTIs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Purple-stained diplococci suggest Gram-positive cocci. 2. Capsule presence is a characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae. 3. S. pneumoniae is known to form diplococci arrangements. 4. Therefore, the microorganism most likely present is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Summary: - B: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci. - C: Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a capsule producer. - D: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci or capsule producer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: All microorganisms. Sterilization aims to eliminate all microorganisms, including pathogenic and non-pathogenic ones, to ensure complete absence of viable organisms. This is crucial in medical, laboratory, and food preparation settings to prevent contamination and spread of infections. Choices A and B are incorrect because sterilization does not differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, aiming to eradicate all. Choice D is incorrect as sterilization does involve releasing subjects (microorganisms) using physical methods.