microbiology an evolving science test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adhesion. Pili are bacterial appendages that help bacteria adhere to surfaces. This is important for colonization and biofilm formation. Choice A (Chemotaxis) is incorrect because chemotaxis is the movement of bacteria in response to chemical stimuli, not the function of pili. Choice C (Nutrient acquisition) is incorrect because pili are not directly involved in obtaining nutrients. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as pili do serve a specific purpose, which is adhesion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: lipopolysaccharides. Endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, consisting of lipid A, core polysaccharides, and O antigen. Lipopolysaccharides are known to induce strong immune responses and can cause septic shock. Proteins (choice A) are components of exotoxins, not endotoxins. Teichoic acid (choice C) is found in Gram-positive bacteria, not Gram-negative bacteria. Peptidoglycan (choice D) is a major component of bacterial cell walls but is not considered an endotoxin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides, which is a key characteristic used in Gram staining. This outer membrane is responsible for the pink/red color seen when stained with Gram stain. Choice A is incorrect because Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer. Choice C is incorrect because Gram-negative bacteria stain pink, not purple. Choice D is incorrect because all bacteria have a cell wall, but Gram-negative bacteria have a different structure compared to Gram-positive bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. 2. Trypanosoma cruzi is transmitted by triatomine bugs. 3. On a blood smear stained with Romanovsky's method, Trypanosoma cruzi appears as trypomastigotes. 4. Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, not Chagas disease. 5. Leishmania donovani and Leishmania tropica cause different forms of leishmaniasis, not Chagas disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Schizogony is the process in protozoans where multiple nuclear divisions occur before cell division. This results in the formation of multiple daughter cells. - A: Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from an outgrowth on the parent. - B: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells. - D: Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, each developing into a new organism.