Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium causes diphtheria, characterized by a grayish pseudomembrane in the throat. The dark blue-staining rods with polar granules seen in microscopic examination are known as metachromatic granules, which are specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Streptococcus pyogenes (choice B) causes strep throat but does not produce pseudomembranes. Haemophilus influenzae (choice C) can cause respiratory infections but does not typically present with a pseudomembrane. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (choice D) is a sexually transmitted bacterium and is not associated with the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Absence of a cell wall. L-form transformation is a phenomenon where the pathogen loses its cell wall, making it resistant to antibiotics like penicillin. The absence of a cell wall allows the pathogen to survive in a hostile environment. Choice B: Absence of flagella is incorrect because flagella are responsible for motility and not directly related to L-form transformation. Choice C: Absence of a capsule is incorrect as the capsule is a protective layer outside the cell wall and not affected by L-form transformation. Choice D: Absence of a spore is incorrect because spores are a dormant form of bacteria and not related to L-form transformation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria - Salmonella enterica, Clostridium botulinum, and Escherichia coli - are commonly associated with foodborne illnesses. Salmonella causes gastroenteritis, Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, and E. coli can lead to severe food poisoning. Each bacterium has different mechanisms of causing illness, but all can be transmitted through contaminated food. Choices A, B, and C alone are incorrect because they do not encompass the full spectrum of bacteria commonly linked to foodborne illnesses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium known to cause syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. Step 2: Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not syphilis. Step 3: Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for causing chlamydia, not syphilis. Step 4: Escherichia coli is commonly found in the gut and can cause gastrointestinal infections, not syphilis. Summary: Treponema pallidum is the correct answer as it is the specific bacterium associated with syphilis, while the other choices are responsible for different infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: All answers are correct. Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens, including Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Choice C is correct because both A and B are known causative agents of pneumonia. Choice D is incorrect because we know that Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause pneumonia, so the statement "None of the above" is not accurate in this context.