A bioterrorist has mailed an envelope with a powder that is suspected to contain anthrax causative agent. This envelope can remain dangerous for a long time, because anthrax causative agent:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Anthrax causative agent is Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores. Step 2: Spores are highly resistant structures that can survive for a long time. Step 3: These spores can germinate into active bacteria when conditions are favorable. Step 4: The presence of spores in the powder makes it dangerous even long after being mailed. Summary: A: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form a protein capsule. B: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form a polysaccharide capsule. C: Correct - Anthrax forms spores that are highly resistant. D: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form flagella.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (60 years) because as individuals age, their immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. Around the age of 60, people are more likely to succumb to infections, leading to a higher mortality rate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are younger ages, and the likelihood of infectious diseases causing a significant proportion of deaths increases with age.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: active transport system. Permeases are specific carriers that actively transport molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input. This process is known as active transport, which is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and allowing the cell to accumulate specific molecules. Facilitated diffusion (A) and passive transport (B) both involve the movement of molecules down their concentration gradient without the need for energy input. Simple diffusion (C) also does not involve specific carriers and relies on the natural movement of molecules from areas of high concentration to low concentration. Therefore, the correct choice is D as permeases specifically function in active transport systems.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (Adenoviridae) is correct: 1. Adenoviruses commonly cause respiratory illnesses such as the common cold and bronchitis. 2. They are highly contagious and easily spread through respiratory secretions. 3. Adenoviruses are a common cause of viral conjunctivitis as well. 4. Other choices are incorrect because herpesviruses (choice A) typically cause different types of infections, papovaviruses (choice B) are not common respiratory pathogens, and poxviruses (choice D) are not typically associated with respiratory illnesses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is responsible for causing tetanus by producing a neurotoxin called tetanospasmin. This neurotoxin blocks inhibitory signals in the central nervous system, leading to muscle spasms and stiffness characteristic of tetanus. Clostridium perfringens (B) causes gas gangrene, Streptococcus pyogenes (C) causes strep throat, and Escherichia coli (D) can cause gastrointestinal infections but not tetanus. Therefore, based on the specific pathogen and its mechanism of action, Clostridium tetani is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium is the causative agent of gas gangrene due to its ability to produce gas and toxins in anaerobic conditions. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, and Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not gas gangrene. Clostridium perfringens stands out as the correct choice based on its specific association with gas gangrene and its pathogenic mechanisms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because peritrichous bacteria have flagella distributed all over their surface, allowing them to move in various directions. Choice A is incorrect because bacteria with a single flagellum at one pole are called monotrichous. Choice C is incorrect as bacteria with a single flagellum at each pole are known as amphitrichous. Choice D is incorrect because peritrichous bacteria have multiple flagella all over their surface, not limited to one or both poles.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides are antibiotics that act by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, disrupting protein synthesis in bacteria. This interaction affects the ribosomes directly, leading to inhibition of bacterial protein production. Penicillins (A) work by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, Sulfonamides (C) target folic acid synthesis, and Quinolones (D) inhibit DNA gyrase. These mechanisms do not directly affect the ribosomes, making them incorrect choices in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Francisella tularensis. This bacterium is classified as a class A bioterrorism agent due to its high virulence and potential for mass casualties. It can cause tularemia, a severe and potentially fatal disease. The other choices, Hepatitis B, E. coli, and Bacillus subtilis, are not considered class A bioterrorism agents. Hepatitis B is a virus causing liver inflammation, E. coli is a common bacterium found in the gut, and Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial bacterium used in various industries. Therefore, Francisella tularensis is the correct choice based on its high pathogenicity and bioterrorism potential.