Antigenic variation is used by bacteria to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: evade host immune responses. Antigenic variation allows bacteria to change their surface antigens, making it difficult for the host immune system to recognize and attack them effectively. This enhances the bacteria's ability to evade immune responses and establish infection. B: Increase antibiotic susceptibility is incorrect because antigenic variation does not directly impact the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. C: Increase peptidoglycan synthesis is incorrect because antigenic variation is not related to the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is a major component of the bacterial cell wall. D: Enhance motility is incorrect because antigenic variation does not directly affect the motility of bacteria. In summary, antigenic variation in bacteria primarily serves to help them evade host immune responses, making option A the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: protein synthesis. Bacterial ribosomes are responsible for translating messenger RNA into proteins through a process called translation. Ribosomes are composed of both protein and RNA molecules and facilitate the binding of transfer RNA to the messenger RNA to assemble the amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. DNA replication (A) is carried out by enzymes such as DNA polymerase, not ribosomes. Cell wall synthesis (C) is a process involving enzymes that build the structure of the cell wall in bacteria. RNA splicing (D) is a eukaryotic process that involves removing introns from pre-mRNA molecules, which is not a function of bacterial ribosomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of rods with polar dark blue granules stained by Neisser's method indicates metachromatic granules consistent with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The characteristic staining pattern is due to the presence of polar granules in the bacterial cells, a feature specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium tetani, and Escherichia coli do not exhibit this staining pattern or morphology typical of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contaminated wounds. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through breaks in the skin such as wounds or cuts. The bacteria produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Ingestion of contaminated food (choice A) is not a mode of transmission for tetanus. Inhalation of droplets (choice B) is more relevant for respiratory infections. Direct physical contact (choice D) is not the primary mode of transmission for tetanus as the bacteria need a portal of entry such as a wound to cause infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces the diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for causing diphtheria. The other choices, B, C, and D, are incorrect because Bacillus anthracis produces anthrax toxins, Clostridium tetani produces tetanus toxin, and Listeria monocytogenes does not produce the diphtheria toxin. Understanding the specific bacteria-toxin associations is crucial in correctly identifying the pathogen responsible for a particular disease.