microbiology a systems approach test bank

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: Pili in bacteria are responsible for conjugation, allowing the transfer of genetic material between cells. They form a bridge between donor and recipient cells, facilitating the exchange of DNA. Flagella are for movement, capsules for protection, and ribosomes for protein synthesis. Pili is the only structure directly involved in genetic material exchange.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis. This bacterium has unique cell wall components that make it resistant to the body's immune defenses, allowing it to survive and multiply within the host. Streptococcus pyogenes (Choice A), Escherichia coli (Choice C), and Bacillus anthracis (Choice D) are not associated with tuberculosis. Streptococcus pyogenes is known for causing strep throat and skin infections, Escherichia coli is commonly involved in gastrointestinal infections, and Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Legionellae are typically found in natural water sources such as lakes, rivers, and soil. Legionellae thrive in aquatic environments and can also be present in mud. Choice B is incorrect as Legionellae are not limited to infected humans but are also found in the natural environment. Choice C is incorrect as Legionellae are not primarily associated with infected animals. Choice D is incorrect as Legionellae do have natural reservoirs in water and soil.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because retroviruses, including those in the Family Retroviridae, have a capsid consisting of two copies of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). This is a defining characteristic of retroviruses, which use reverse transcriptase to convert their ssRNA into DNA. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Family Retroviridae viruses are not helical non-enveloped viruses (C), they are not helical enveloped viruses (A), and they do not have a complex type of symmetry (D).