medical microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: ensure survival under harsh conditions. Bacterial endospores are dormant, resistant structures that form under adverse conditions to protect the bacterial DNA and allow the bacterium to survive extreme environments. This function is crucial for the bacterium's long-term survival. Choice A is incorrect as endospores do not directly produce exotoxins. Choice B is incorrect as endospores do not store nutrients but rather protect the bacterium's genetic material. Choice D is incorrect as endospores do not enhance motility but rather enable survival during unfavorable conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Plasmids are circular DNA molecules Rationale: 1. Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria. 2. Plasmids are typically circular in structure, not linear. 3. Circular plasmids are easily replicated and transferred between bacteria. 4. Plasmids can carry genes for antibiotic resistance, making option C incorrect. 5. Not all bacteria have plasmids, making option D incorrect. 6. While plasmids can provide benefits, they are not essential for bacterial survival, making option A incorrect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the AST reaction, or anti-streptolysin titer, is used in the diagnostic of post-streptococcal sequelae, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. This test measures the level of antibodies produced by the body in response to Streptolysin O, a toxin produced by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It helps in identifying if a patient has had a recent Streptococcus infection that could lead to these complications. A: Incorrect. The AST reaction does not require urine samples, but rather blood samples. C: Incorrect. The AST reaction specifically targets antibodies produced in response to Group A Streptococcus. D: Incorrect. The AST reaction does not directly identify isolated streptococci but rather measures the body's immune response to Streptolysin O.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: autoclaving. Autoclaving is a process that uses high pressure and steam to achieve temperatures above the boiling point of water, typically around 121-134�C. This high heat and pressure are effective in destroying spore forms of microorganisms, which are highly resistant structures that can withstand boiling temperatures. Autoclaving ensures the complete destruction of spores, making it an effective method for sterilization. Rationale: A: Pasteurization uses lower heat compared to autoclaving and is not sufficient to destroy spore forms. C: Freezing does not effectively destroy spore forms, as most microorganisms can survive freezing temperatures. D: Boiling, while effective for many microorganisms, may not be sufficient to destroy spore forms due to their high resistance, unlike autoclaving.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the flu vaccine mainly stimulates systemic immunity, not local immunity. Systemic immunity refers to the immune response throughout the body, while local immunity is specific to a certain area. Choice A is incorrect because the flu vaccine is indeed recommended. Choice B is incorrect as the flu vaccine can be a subunit vaccine, containing only specific antigens. Choice C is incorrect as the flu vaccine is typically administered parenterally, meaning through injection, nasal spray, or oral routes.