Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. 1. Gram-positive cocci in chains suggest streptococci. 2. Catalase-negative indicates it's not staphylococci. 3. Beta-hemolytic points towards Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes). Summary: B. Streptococcus pneumoniae is not beta-hemolytic. C. Enterococcus faecalis is not typically chains. D. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium, as it retains the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process. The bacteria are rod-shaped, not spherical. Choice A is incorrect as Listeria monocytogenes is not Gram-negative. Choice D is incorrect as Listeria monocytogenes does fall under the category of Gram-positive bacteria. The key is to remember the characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes, which are Gram-positive and rod-shaped.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flagella. Flagella are whip-like appendages used by bacteria for movement. They rotate in a corkscrew motion to propel the bacteria through their environment. Pili (choice A) are hair-like structures used for attachment, not movement. Capsules (choice C) are protective layers around bacteria, not involved in movement. Fimbriae (choice D) are also used for attachment and biofilm formation, not for movement. Therefore, the correct choice is B as flagella are specifically adapted for bacterial motility.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Streptococci are Gram-positive bacteria, typically spherical in shape, and range from 0.5-1 µm in size. A is incorrect as streptococci are not rod-shaped and are usually smaller in size. B is incorrect as they are not Gram-negative and are not typically of such small size. C is incorrect as streptococci are not Gram-negative and are not usually rod-shaped. Thus, based on their characteristics, the correct answer is D.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because nucleoids in bacteria can vary in number from 1 to 4 depending on the specific bacterial cell and its growth and replication phases. This is due to the dynamic nature of bacterial cells and their genetic material organization. Choice A is incorrect because nucleoids do not contain nuclear membranes or multiple haploid chromosomes like eukaryotic nuclei. Choice B is incorrect as there is no known method of reabsorbing nucleoids by Neisser. Choice D is incorrect as option C is indeed the correct statement regarding the number of nucleoids in bacterial cells.