A patient with a sore throat had a throat culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is the most likely causative agent because it is a Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule, which matches the description provided. S. pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis and can present with sore throat. Summary of other choices: B: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive cocci in clusters, not pairs, and is not typically associated with sore throat. C: Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus and more commonly causes meningitis or septicemia, not sore throat. D: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod bacterium, not a Gram-positive cocci, and is not a common cause of sore throat.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it encompasses the true statements regarding the laboratory diagnosis of urinary tract infections. A: Bacteriuria of less than 10^5 can be significant in treated patients due to the development of antibiotic resistance. B: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis may be significant regardless of quantity due to their pathogenic nature. C: Leukocyturia indicates inflammation, and even a lower number of leukocytes can be clinically significant. Therefore, option D covers all these aspects making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: I apologize for the confusion, but the correct answer to the question is actually A: microtubules. Microtubules are indeed shaped like hollow cylinders made out of tubulin proteins. They play a crucial role in cell structure, cell division, and intracellular transport. Microfilaments (choice B) are composed of actin proteins and are not shaped like hollow cylinders. Intermediate filaments (choice C) are more rope-like in structure and are made up of various proteins. Flagella (choice D) are whip-like structures used for cell movement and are not shaped like hollow cylinders.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cholera. Cholera is caused by Gram-negative curved rod-like bacteria called Vibrio cholerae, commonly found in contaminated water or food. The characteristic symptom of cholera is profuse watery diarrhea, which matches the patient's presentation. Typhoid fever (A) is caused by Salmonella typhi, which is not a curved rod-like bacteria. Diphtheria (C) is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive bacterium, and does not typically cause diarrhea. Intestinal form of plague (D) is caused by Yersinia pestis, which is not a curved rod-like bacteria and does not typically present with diarrhea.

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.