microbiology an introduction 13th edition test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quorum sensing in bacteria refers to a process of cell-cell communication. Bacteria release signaling molecules to communicate with each other, coordinating group behaviors such as biofilm formation or virulence factor production when a certain population density is reached. This communication helps bacteria respond collectively to environmental cues. A: Incorrect - Locomotion refers to movement, not communication between bacteria. C: Incorrect - Uptake of foreign DNA is related to genetic transfer mechanisms, not communication. D: Incorrect - Antibiotic resistance mechanisms may involve genetic changes but are not directly related to inter-bacterial communication. In summary, quorum sensing is a vital communication system that allows bacteria to coordinate behaviors for survival and adaptation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria - Salmonella enterica, Clostridium botulinum, and Escherichia coli - are commonly associated with foodborne illnesses. Salmonella causes gastroenteritis, Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, and E. coli can lead to severe food poisoning. Each bacterium has different mechanisms of causing illness, but all can be transmitted through contaminated food. Choices A, B, and C alone are incorrect because they do not encompass the full spectrum of bacteria commonly linked to foodborne illnesses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. 1. Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacterium known to cause cholera. 2. Shigella dysenteriae causes dysentery, not cholera. 3. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, not cholera. 4. Campylobacter jejuni causes gastroenteritis, not cholera. Therefore, based on the symptoms presented and the characteristics of the bacterium, Vibrio cholerae is the most likely microorganism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: proteins. Enzymes are mostly composed of proteins due to their complex structure and specific amino acid sequences that are essential for their catalytic activity. Proteins have active sites that bind to substrates and facilitate chemical reactions. Lipids (B), nucleic acids (C), and carbohydrates (D) do not possess the necessary properties and structures to function as enzymes. Lipids serve as energy storage molecules and cell membrane components, nucleic acids store genetic information, and carbohydrates are primarily used for energy production.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: TRUE. Poxviruses are indeed the largest viruses known, ranging from 200-450 nm in size, which is close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. This makes them almost visible under a light microscope. Explanation: 1. Poxviruses have complex structures and are among the largest viruses. 2. Light microscopes have a resolution limit of around 200 nm. 3. Poxviruses fall within the size range that is close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. 4. Therefore, poxviruses are almost visible under a light microscope. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because poxviruses are indeed large enough to be almost visible under a light microscope. Choice C is incorrect as it implies uncertainty, but poxviruses are consistently close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. Choice D is incorrect as the size of poxviruses being almost visible under a light microscope is a factual statement, not dependent