microbiology test bank

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: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice A: 1. Viruses contain genetic material in the form of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). 2. Proteins are essential for the structure and function of viral particles. 3. Nucleic acids (genetic material) and proteins are the two main components of viruses. 4. Therefore, choice A (nucleic acid and proteins) is correct. Summary: - Choice B (nucleic acids and lipids) is incorrect as lipids are not a main structural component of viruses. - Choice C (lipids and proteins) is incorrect as nucleic acids are essential components of viruses. - Choice D (proteins and glycoproteins) is incorrect as glycoproteins are a type of protein and not a separate component in viruses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces botulinum toxin, leading to botulism. It is commonly found in soil and improperly canned food. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Staphylococcus aureus causes food poisoning, and Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis. Therefore, A is correct due to its association with botulism, while the other choices are incorrect for causing different diseases.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (25�C) because dimorphic fungi typically grow as molds at lower temperatures. At 25�C, the fungus is likely in its mold phase, which is the preferred temperature range for mold growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 15�C and 20�C are too low for optimal mold growth, and 37�C is too high as it typically favors the yeast phase of dimorphic fungi. Therefore, the preferred temperature for mold growth of a dimorphic fungus is 25�C.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Agglutination test type Gruber. This is because the Gruber agglutination test is not typically used for the serological identification of Yersinia pestis. The other options (A, B, C) are commonly used methods for serological identification of Y. pestis: A) Precipitation reaction involves the formation of a visible precipitate when Y. pestis antigen reacts with specific antibodies. B) Indirect hemagglutination test detects antibodies against Y. pestis by measuring the agglutination of red blood cells. C) Immunofluorescence test uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to detect specific antigens of Y. pestis. In summary, the Gruber agglutination test is not a standard method for serological identification of Yersinia pestis, unlike the other options provided.