medical microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: peptidoglycan and calcium dipicolinate. Bacterial endospores are resistant structures formed by certain bacterial species under unfavorable conditions. Peptidoglycan provides structural support, while calcium dipicolinate aids in heat resistance. Lipid bilayers (choice A) are not a primary component. Capsular polysaccharides (choice C) are part of the bacterial capsule, not the endospore. Teichoic acid (choice D) is a component of the cell wall, not the endospore.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because humoral immunity involves the formation of specific antibodies by B cells. B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies to target specific antigens. T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity, not humoral immunity. Choice A is incorrect because T cells do not produce antibodies. Choice C is incorrect as only B cells are responsible for antibody production in humoral immunity. Choice D is incorrect as B cells play a crucial role in the humoral immune response.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weakly bound to the cell wall. The glycocalyx in bacteria is a protective layer that can be loosely attached to the cell wall or membrane. This loose attachment allows for flexibility and protection against desiccation and immune responses. Choice A is incorrect because the glycocalyx is not strongly bound to the cell wall, as it needs to be able to be shed easily for bacteria to escape host immune responses. Choice B is incorrect because the glycocalyx is not directly involved in bacterial movement, but rather serves as a protective barrier. Choice D is incorrect as the glycocalyx does play a role in bacterial physiology.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sporadic disease. When an infection occurs in several persons without any epidemiological link, it is considered sporadic. This term is used to describe isolated cases that do not form a specific pattern or cluster. It indicates random occurrences and lack of connection between the affected individuals. A: Epidemic refers to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease within a specific population or region, usually linked by a common source or exposure. C: Endemic signifies the constant presence of a disease within a specific population or region, with cases occurring at a relatively stable rate. D: Pandemic indicates a global outbreak of a disease affecting a large number of people across multiple countries or continents.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spirochete. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is a spirochete. Spirochetes are spiral-shaped bacteria that move by rotating like a corkscrew, which is characteristic of Borrelia burgdorferi. A: Spirillum - Spirillum bacteria are helical-shaped but are not the causative agent for Lyme disease. C: Vibrio - Vibrio bacteria are curved or comma-shaped and are not associated with Lyme disease. D: Diplococcus - Diplococcus bacteria are spherical-shaped and typically occur in pairs, not the causative agent for Lyme disease. Therefore, the correct answer is B because Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacterium that causes Lyme disease.