microbiology chapter 10 test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Listeria monocytogenes. This pathogen can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to serious complications. Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe neonatal infections. Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium diphtheriae do not typically cross the placenta. Choice D is incorrect because Listeria monocytogenes can indeed be transmitted through the placenta, unlike the other pathogens listed.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Doxycycline. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those causing infections like Lyme disease and pneumonia. Doxycycline is often the first-line treatment for these infections due to its efficacy and low risk of resistance. Chloramphenicol (B) has serious side effects and is reserved for specific cases. Penicillin (C) is not effective against all bacteria and may not cover the specific infection. Streptomycin (D) is mainly used for certain types of bacterial infections and is not the optimal choice for the conditions mentioned in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cell wall rigidity. Teichoic acid in Gram-positive bacteria helps to maintain the structural integrity of the cell wall by providing rigidity and stability. It also plays a role in regulating the movement of ions across the cell membrane. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because teichoic acid is not involved in energy production, spore formation, or motility in bacteria. It primarily functions in cell wall maintenance and integrity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Memory cells are not part of the non-specific immune response because they are a component of the specific immune response. Non-specific immune responses are immediate and target a broad range of pathogens, whereas memory cells are formed after exposure to a specific pathogen to provide a quicker and stronger response upon subsequent exposure. Lysozyme (A), Interferon (C), and Phagocytosis (D) are all part of the non-specific immune response. Lysozyme is an enzyme that destroys bacterial cell walls, interferon helps to inhibit viral replication, and phagocytosis involves the engulfing and destruction of pathogens by phagocytes. These responses are not specific to particular pathogens and are the body's first line of defense.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: decompose hydrogen peroxide. Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This is important in bacteria to protect them from the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct of metabolism. Choice B is incorrect as peptidoglycan synthesis is not the function of catalase. Choice C is incorrect as oxidative phosphorylation is a metabolic process unrelated to catalase function. Choice D is incorrect as endotoxin production is not a role of catalase.