microbiology an introduction 13th edition test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Conjugation. Conjugation involves the transfer of genetic material from a donor cell to a recipient cell through direct cell-to-cell contact, typically mediated by a conjugative plasmid. During conjugation, a conjugative pilus forms a bridge between the donor and recipient cells, allowing the transfer of genetic material. A: Replication is the process of copying DNA to produce two identical DNA molecules. It does not involve the transfer of genetic material between cells. C: Transformation is the uptake and incorporation of foreign DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell. It does not require direct cell-to-cell contact. D: Transduction is the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage vector. It does not involve direct cell-to-cell contact between the donor and recipient cells.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: psittacosis. Psittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci that primarily affects the lower respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia-like symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes atypical pneumonia, not pharyngitis (Choice A). Chronic atrophic rhinitis (Choice C) and rhinoscleroma (Choice D) both affect the upper respiratory tract, not the lower respiratory tract. Psittacosis specifically targets the lower respiratory tract, making it the most appropriate answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas is a Gram-negative rod, oxidase-positive, and a lactose non-fermenter. The presence of fever and chills suggests a systemic infection, which is common with Pseudomonas. Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and Escherimalia coli are all Gram-negative rods but are typically lactose fermenters and do not match the characteristics described in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Plague. The presence of ovoid Gram-negative bipolar-stained bacilli with a delicate capsule in the sputum is characteristic of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. Plague presents with symptoms like fever, chills, and cough. Plague is a zoonotic disease usually transmitted through fleas from rodents. The other choices (B: Tuberculosis, C: Leptospirosis, D: Brucellosis) can be ruled out based on the specific description of the bacteria in the sputum. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is not Gram-negative. Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira, which are spirochetes and not ovoid bacilli. Brucellosis is caused by Brucella species, which are small, coccobacilli and not ovoid bacilli.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because transformation in bacteria refers to the uptake of naked DNA from the environment. During transformation, bacteria take up free DNA from their surroundings and incorporate it into their own genome. This mechanism allows bacteria to acquire new genetic material and traits. Explanation for other choices: A: Transfer of DNA via phages refers to transduction, not transformation. C: Transfer of DNA via direct contact is known as conjugation, not transformation. D: Spore formation is a method of bacterial survival but is not related to transformation.