mcgraw hill microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: protomeres. Viral capsomeres are the building blocks of viral capsids, which are protein coats that enclose and protect the viral genetic material. These capsomeres are made up of smaller subunits called protomeres. Envelopes (A) refer to a lipid membrane surrounding some viruses, not the subunits of capsomeres. Capsids (C) are the protein coats that capsomeres make up, not the subunits themselves. Nucleoids (D) are found in bacterial cells and refer to the region where the genetic material is located, not the subunits of viral capsomeres.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tinned food. Botulism is often caused by the botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can be present in improperly canned foods. Analyzing tinned food allows for direct detection of the toxin or bacteria, confirming the diagnosis. Potatoes, pasteurized milk, and boiled meat are less likely sources of botulism compared to tinned food, making them less suitable for initial analysis in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The normal microflora plays a crucial role in defending against pathogens in the skin and mucus. This is because the skin and mucus act as physical barriers and the normal microflora outcompetes potential pathogens, preventing their colonization. In contrast, the circulatory system (A), hepatobiliary tract (B), and CNS (D) are not typically colonized by normal microflora, so they do not directly contribute to defense against pathogens in those areas.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anthrax. The symptoms of fever, headache, weakness, and the skin lesion described (hyperemic with a dark red infiltration, black center, and pustules) are characteristic of cutaneous anthrax. The black center is known as an eschar. Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, commonly found in cattle. Plague (choice B) typically presents with swollen lymph nodes (buboes) and is caused by Yersinia pestis. Tularemia (choice C) presents with fever, ulcer at the site of infection, and lymphadenopathy, caused by Francisella tularensis. Furuncle (choice D) is a localized skin infection typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, presenting as a red, swollen, and painful bump.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, a gram-negative bacterium that produces a toxin leading to severe watery diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae causes dysentery, not cholera. Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis, not cholera. Clostridium perfringens is associated with food poisoning, not cholera. In summary, Vibrio cholerae is the correct answer because it is the specific bacterium known to cause cholera, while the other choices are associated with different diseases.