microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the structure of the cytoplasmic membrane in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria is fundamentally different. Gram-positive bacteria have a single-layered cytoplasmic membrane, while gram-negative bacteria have a double-layered cytoplasmic membrane with an additional outer membrane. This key difference is crucial for various functions such as antibiotic resistance and nutrient transport. Rationale for the incorrect choices: A: Gram-positive bacteria have a single-layered cytoplasmic membrane, not a double-layered one. C: Prokaryotes do have a cytoplasmic membrane, which is essential for maintaining cell integrity and regulating the passage of molecules. D: Gram-negative bacteria have a double-layered cytoplasmic membrane, not a three-layered one.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A: Early application of gentamicin is not recommended as a specific treatment for C. difficile-associated post antibiotic diarrhea because it does not have efficacy against C. difficile. B: Metronidazole is recommended as first-line treatment for mild to moderate C. difficile infection. C: Stopping antibiotic treatment and observing the clinical response for 48 hours is not a recommended strategy as prompt treatment is crucial in C. difficile infection. D: Vancomycin per os is an appropriate treatment for severe C. difficile infection. In summary, A is incorrect because gentamicin is not effective against C. difficile, while B, C, and D are potential treatment strategies based on severity of the infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because penicillins and cephalosporins inactivate transpeptidase activity of penicillin binding proteins, leading to disruption of bacterial cell wall synthesis. This mechanism makes them bactericidal, not bacteriostatic (choice B). Choice C is incorrect as penicillins and cephalosporins target cell wall synthesis, not the cytoplasmic membrane. Choice D is incorrect as option A is the correct statement.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: P.aeruginosa. This bacterium is commonly found in water and soil, making its presence in indoor air an indicator of poor sanitation. Step 1: P.aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen known to cause infections in hospitals. Step 2: Its presence in the air indicates potential contamination and poor air quality. Step 3: Regular monitoring of P.aeruginosa levels can help assess the effectiveness of sanitation measures. Summary: A, B, and C are not suitable indicators of air sanitation in an enclosed space as they are not typically associated with environmental contamination or poor air quality.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause spongiform encephalopathy by inducing normal proteins to misfold as well. Prions lack genetic material, distinguishing them from viruses (B), bacteria (C), and fungi (D), which all contain genetic material and cannot directly cause spongiform encephalopathy through protein misfolding.