microbiology chapter 10 test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: decompose hydrogen peroxide. Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This is important in bacteria to protect them from the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct of metabolism. Choice B is incorrect as peptidoglycan synthesis is not the function of catalase. Choice C is incorrect as oxidative phosphorylation is a metabolic process unrelated to catalase function. Choice D is incorrect as endotoxin production is not a role of catalase.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Leptospira interrogans. Darkfield microscopy is used to visualize spirochetes, which are spiral-shaped bacteria. Leptospira is a spirochete bacterium that causes leptospirosis, which presents with jaundice, muscle aching, chill, and nosebleeds. Leptospira is commonly transmitted through contact with contaminated water or soil. B: Borrelia dutlonii causes Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks and does not typically present with jaundice or nosebleeds. C: Calymmatobacterium granulomatis causes granuloma inguinale, a sexually transmitted infection that does not present with the symptoms described. D: Bartonella bacilloformis causes Carrion's disease, which presents with fever, anemia, and skin lesions but not jaundice or nosebleeds.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Van Leeuwenhoek. Van Leeuwenhoek was a Dutch scientist known for his pioneering work in microscopy. He was the first to observe microbial life, including bacteria on teeth, using his handmade microscopes in the 17th century. Jenner (choice A) is known for developing the smallpox vaccine, not for microbial observations. Semmelweis (choice B) discovered the importance of handwashing in preventing infections. Pasteur (choice D) is famous for his work on pasteurization and germ theory, but not specifically for observing microbial life on teeth. Van Leeuwenhoek's meticulous observations and groundbreaking discoveries make him the correct choice in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hantavirus. Hantaviruses are not arthropod-borne, unlike the other choices. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans primarily through contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva. Phlebovirus (A), Nairovirus (C), and Uukuvirus (D) are all bunyaviruses that are transmitted by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks. Therefore, Hantavirus is the correct answer as it is not transmitted by arthropods.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: serratia spp. This is because serratia spp. are not typically found in the normal skin microflora. Normal skin microflora primarily consist of bacteria such as diphtheroids, alpha-hemolytic streptococci, and epidermidis. Serratia spp. are more commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections rather than being a part of the skin's natural bacterial flora. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are commonly found in the normal skin microflora.