microbiology a systems approach test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because coagulase helps bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus to form clots, allowing them to evade the host immune response. This mechanism helps the bacteria to hide from the immune system and establish infection. A. Adhesion to surfaces is usually facilitated by other factors like adhesins. B. Breaking down red blood cells is not a function of coagulase. D. Antibiotic resistance is typically mediated by other mechanisms like efflux pumps or enzymatic inactivation, not coagulase.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thick peptidoglycan layer. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain during Gram staining. This thick layer is a key characteristic feature that helps differentiate Gram-positive bacteria from Gram-negative bacteria. Rationale: 1. Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain due to their thick peptidoglycan layer. 2. This thick layer provides structural support and protection to the cell. 3. Gram-positive bacteria lack an outer membrane, which is a feature of Gram-negative bacteria (Choice A). 4. Thin peptidoglycan layer is a characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria, not Gram-positive (Choice B). 5. Presence of LPS (lipopolysaccharide) is a feature of Gram-negative bacteria, not Gram-positive (Choice D). In summary, the presence of a thick peptidoglycan layer is a characteristic feature of Gram-positive

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Psittacosis. This disease is transmitted via aerosols containing dried bird droppings or respiratory secretions from infected birds. When these aerosols are inhaled, the bacteria causing psittacosis enter the respiratory system and infect the individual. - B: Shigellosis is transmitted through contaminated food or water, not via aerosols. - C: Leptospirosis is transmitted through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals, not via aerosols. - D: Giardiasis is transmitted through ingesting contaminated food or water, not via aerosols. Therefore, Psittacosis is the only disease in the list that is transmitted via aerosols, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Salmonella enterica. This is because Salmonella are Gram-negative rods that do not ferment lactose, which fits the description in the question. Additionally, Salmonella is a common cause of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative rod that also causes severe diarrhea but it does not share the characteristic of not fermenting lactose. Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod that does ferment lactose. Proteus vulgaris is also a Gram-negative rod but it is not commonly associated with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, making it an unlikely causative agent in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because cultural characteristics of bacteria refer to their growth patterns on different culture media, including liquid and solid agars. Bacteria exhibit unique growth patterns that can be observed and studied on these media. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to isolation techniques, not cultural characteristics. Choice B is incorrect as it describes metabolic activities, not cultural characteristics. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the essential aspect of bacterial growth on culture media.