microbiology chapter 12 test bank

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed are capable of producing exotoxins that can cause severe diarrhea. Escherichia coli can produce toxins that lead to diarrhea. Clostridium botulinum produces a neurotoxin causing botulism, which can also result in diarrhea. Vibrio cholerae is known for producing cholera toxin, a potent exotoxin that causes severe watery diarrhea. The other choices are incorrect because each bacterium listed is capable of producing a toxin that can cause diarrhea.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium is commonly associated with pneumonia in elderly patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium that frequently causes pneumonia in individuals with underlying health conditions. It is known for its ability to produce a distinctive mucoid capsule. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (B) is more commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Escherichia coli (C) is a common cause of urinary tract infections but is less likely in this case due to the symptoms and sputum sample results. Haemophilus influenzae (D) is another common respiratory pathogen, but in this scenario, Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent based on the patient's age, symptoms, and the characteristics of the bacteria described in the sputum sample.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: mutualism. In mutualism, both organisms benefit from the relationship. This is because they provide each other with resources or services that help both parties. In contrast, commensalism (A) is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Parasitism (C) is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Competition (D) is a relationship where both organisms are negatively affected as they compete for limited resources. Therefore, mutualism is the correct answer as it describes a mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is the most likely causative agent for pneumonia in this case due to the presence of Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule, which is a typical characteristic of S. pneumoniae. This pathogen is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and is known for its encapsulated morphology. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but does not typically present in pairs with a capsule in pneumonia cases. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) is a Gram-negative bacterium and does not match the description provided. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (D) is a Gram-negative bacterium that is not typically associated with Gram-positive cocci in pneumonia samples.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell wall. Penicillin targets the cell wall of bacteria by inhibiting the formation of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of the cell wall. This weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis. Choice A (DNA) is incorrect because penicillin does not directly target DNA. Choice B (Plasma membrane) is incorrect as penicillin primarily affects the cell wall, not the plasma membrane. Choice D (Ribosomes) is incorrect because penicillin does not target bacterial ribosomes, which are involved in protein synthesis.