Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The presence of rod-shaped bacteria with dark blue polar granules suggests the presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causative agent of diphtheria. This bacterium is known for causing sore throat and fever, and the characteristic appearance on smear helps identify it. Streptococcus pyogenes (Choice B) typically appears as chains of cocci and is associated with strep throat. Haemophilus influenzae (Choice C) is a small, pleomorphic Gram-negative coccobacillus and is more commonly associated with respiratory infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae (Choice D) is a Gram-negative bacillus and is not typically associated with sore throat and fever in children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: the hydrolysis of the four-membered ring present in penicillin. Beta-lactamase enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of the four-membered beta-lactam ring present in penicillin, rendering the antibiotic ineffective against bacterial cell walls. This enzyme breaks the bond in the beta-lactam ring, thus inactivating the antibiotic. Incorrect choices: A: the final cross-linking reaction to form the bacterial cell wall - This is incorrect as beta-lactamase does not participate in the formation of bacterial cell walls. B: the biosynthesis of the penicillin structure from the amino acid valine and cysteine - This is incorrect as beta-lactamase is not involved in the biosynthesis of penicillin. D: the hydrolysis of the acyl side chain from penicillin structures - This is incorrect as beta-lactamase specifically targets the beta-lactam ring, not the

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. Step 1: Gram-negative diplococci - characteristic of Neisseria species. Step 2: Oxidase-positive - Neisseria species are oxidase-positive. Step 3: Fermentative - Neisseria meningitidis is a fermentative bacterium. Therefore, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent. Summary: - B: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is also a Neisseria species but is not fermentative. - C: Moraxella catarrhalis is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. - D: Haemophilus influenzae is not a Neisseria species and is not typically fermentative.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. 1. Gram-positive cocci in chains suggest streptococci. 2. Beta-hemolytic activity indicates Streptococcus pyogenes. 3. Streptococcus pyogenes is commonly associated with sore throat (pharyngitis) and fever. 4. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice B) is alpha-hemolytic and mainly causes pneumonia. 5. Enterococcus faecalis (choice C) is not typically associated with sore throat. 6. Staphylococcus aureus (choice D) is not commonly beta-hemolytic and is not a typical cause of pharyngitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: cytoplasmic membrane. The cytoplasmic membrane is the fluidlike portion of a cell that separates the cell's contents from the external environment. It regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, maintains cell shape, and provides protection. Rationale: 1. Cytosol (choice A) is the liquid component of the cytoplasm where organelles are suspended, not the fluidlike portion of the cell. 2. Nucleoplasm (choice B) refers to the liquid component of the nucleus, not the entire cell. 3. Inclusion (choice D) refers to non-living substances within the cell that are not considered the fluidlike portion. Summary: The cytoplasmic membrane is the correct answer as it encompasses the entire cell and is responsible for maintaining cell integrity and regulating transport. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the fluidlike portion of the cell.