microbiology test bank

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Motility. The bacterial flagellum is a whip-like appendage that helps bacteria move by rotating like a propeller. This motility allows bacteria to navigate their environment, find nutrients, and avoid harmful conditions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the bacterial flagellum is not involved in protein synthesis, DNA replication, or spore formation. Protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, DNA replication takes place in the nucleus or nucleoid, and spore formation is a specialized process involving the production of spores for survival in harsh conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is a major cause of gastric ulcers by disrupting the balance between aggressive (acid, pepsin) and defensive (mucus, bicarbonate, prostaglandins) factors in the stomach lining. H. pylori infection leads to inflammation, weakening the protective mucosal barrier, making the stomach more susceptible to damage. Choices B, C, and D are defensive factors that help protect the stomach lining and prevent ulcer formation, so they do not contribute to the development of gastric ulcers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: rotaviruses. Rotaviruses are the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in infants and children due to their highly contagious nature and ability to spread easily in childcare settings. They are known to cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in young children. Noroviruses (A), adenoviruses (B), and caliciviruses (D) can also cause diarrhea, but rotaviruses are specifically known for their prevalence and severity in the pediatric population. This is why C is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is known to cause skin infections and toxic shock syndrome due to its ability to produce toxins that can lead to severe symptoms. Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found on the skin and can enter the body through cuts or wounds, causing infections. Other choices are incorrect because Pseudomonas aeruginosa typically causes infections in immunocompromised individuals, Micrococcus luteus is a common skin bacterium that is not typically pathogenic, and Propionibacterium acnes is associated with acne, not skin infections or toxic shock syndrome.