microbiology an introduction test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: cryophiles. Psychrophiles are microorganisms that thrive in cold temperatures. The prefix "cryo-" means cold, which accurately describes the environment in which these organisms grow. Choice B, thermophiles, are organisms that thrive in high temperatures. Choice C, mesophiles, grow best at moderate temperatures. Choice D, psychrotrophs, are organisms that can grow at refrigeration temperatures but have an optimal growth temperature range different from psychrophiles.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fungi. Molds are a type of fungi, which are eukaryotic organisms characterized by having cell walls made of chitin. Fungi are distinct from protozoans (single-celled eukaryotes), archaea (prokaryotes), and algae (photosynthetic eukaryotes). Fungi, including molds, obtain nutrients through absorption and play crucial roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Therefore, molds belong to the group of eukaryotic organisms known as fungi.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium is a Gram-positive rod that forms chains and produces gas due to its ability to ferment carbohydrates. It is also spore-forming, which helps it survive harsh conditions. Clostridium perfringens is commonly associated with severe tissue infections and gas gangrene. Choice B: Bacillus anthracis is also a spore-forming Gram-positive rod but is not typically associated with gas production or severe tissue infections. Choice C: Clostridium tetani is a spore-forming bacterium that causes tetanus, not severe tissue infections with gas production. Choice D: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium and does not fit the description provided in the question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: pertussis toxin. This toxin is the most important virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis because it plays a key role in causing the characteristic symptoms of whooping cough. Pertussis toxin interferes with the host's immune response, leading to inflammation and tissue damage in the respiratory tract. The other choices (A: the flagellum, C: P fimbriae, D: mannose-resistant adhesins) are important for bacterial attachment and colonization, but they do not directly contribute to the severity of the disease like pertussis toxin does.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: cryophiles. Psychrophiles are microorganisms that thrive in cold temperatures. The prefix "cryo-" means cold, which accurately describes the environment in which these organisms grow. Choice B, thermophiles, are organisms that thrive in high temperatures. Choice C, mesophiles, grow best at moderate temperatures. Choice D, psychrotrophs, are organisms that can grow at refrigeration temperatures but have an optimal growth temperature range different from psychrophiles.