microbiology chapter 14 test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Escherichia coli is known to produce a toxin called colibactin that targets cholesterol. Step 2: Colibactin disrupts cholesterol metabolism in host cells. Step 3: This disruption can lead to various health issues. Step 4: Streptococcus pyogenes produces different toxins, not specifically targeting cholesterol. Step 5: Corynebacterium diphtheriae produces diphtheria toxin, not targeting cholesterol. Step 6: Aeromonas hydrophila produces various toxins, but not known for targeting cholesterol. Summary: Escherichia coli produces toxins that specifically target cholesterol, making it the correct choice over the other options.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The thin microorganisms described with 12-14 equal ringlets and pale-pink sharp points are characteristic of Borrelia spirochetes, the causative agent of relapsing fever. The ringlet appearance corresponds to the characteristic coiled structure of Borrelia spirochetes. The length of 10-13 mkm falls within the typical size range of Borrelia spirochetes. This pathogen is commonly identified in Romanovsky-Giemsa stained samples from patients with relapsing fever. Summary of other choices: A: Leishmaniasis - Leishmania parasites are larger and do not have the described ringlets or pale-pink sharp points. B: Leptospirosis - Leptospira bacteria are not described as having ringlets or pale-pink sharp points. C: Surra - Surra is caused by Trypanosoma evansi, and the description does not match the characteristics of this parasite.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase-positive, and coagulase-positive. Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen causing abscesses. Streptococcus pyogenes (B) is Gram-positive cocci in chains, not clusters. Micrococcus luteus (C) is catalase-positive but coagulase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: icosahedral structure. Icosahedral symmetry is common in viruses due to its efficient packing of genetic material. It consists of 20 equilateral triangular faces and 12 vertices. This symmetry allows viruses to have a stable structure and optimal capacity for encapsulating their genetic material. A: Tetrahedral structure is incorrect as it consists of 4 faces and is not commonly found in viruses. B: Hexahedral structure is incorrect as it consists of 6 faces and is not a common symmetry type in viruses. C: Dodecahedral structure is incorrect as it consists of 12 faces and is not typically seen in viruses. In summary, the icosahedral structure is the correct choice due to its stability, efficient packing, and common presence in viral structures compared to the other options.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (25-37 �C) because mesophilic bacteria thrive best at moderate temperatures typical of most environments, making 25-37 �C their optimum range. This range allows for optimal enzyme activity and growth. Choice B (55-65 �C) is incorrect as it is more suitable for thermophilic bacteria. Choice C (15-18 �C) is too low for mesophiles to thrive efficiently. Choice D (38-45 �C) is too high and is more suitable for thermophiles. Ultimately, the correct answer aligns with the typical temperature range where mesophilic bacteria are most active and abundant.