microbiology test bank

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed produce toxins that cause damage to host tissues. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin toxin causing tetanus, Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus releases toxins causing tissue damage in various infections. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct in terms of producing toxins that harm host tissues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause spongiform encephalopathy by inducing normal proteins to misfold as well. Prions lack genetic material, distinguishing them from viruses (B), bacteria (C), and fungi (D), which all contain genetic material and cannot directly cause spongiform encephalopathy through protein misfolding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the structure of the cytoplasmic membrane in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria is fundamentally different. Gram-positive bacteria have a single-layered cytoplasmic membrane, while gram-negative bacteria have a double-layered cytoplasmic membrane with an additional outer membrane. This key difference is crucial for various functions such as antibiotic resistance and nutrient transport. Rationale for the incorrect choices: A: Gram-positive bacteria have a single-layered cytoplasmic membrane, not a double-layered one. C: Prokaryotes do have a cytoplasmic membrane, which is essential for maintaining cell integrity and regulating the passage of molecules. D: Gram-negative bacteria have a double-layered cytoplasmic membrane, not a three-layered one.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because anaerobic bacteria can grow in environments without oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen for their metabolism and energy production. They can thrive in oxygen-deprived conditions by using alternative electron acceptors. Choice A is incorrect because anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen to survive. Choice C is incorrect because anaerobic bacteria typically cannot survive in the presence of high concentrations of oxygen. Choice D is incorrect because anaerobic bacteria do not perform photosynthesis.