Binary fission is a form of reproduction used by

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction where a single organism divides into two equal parts. Bacteria reproduce through binary fission, splitting into two identical daughter cells. Viruses are not considered living organisms and reproduce by infecting host cells. Fungi reproduce through spores or sexual reproduction. Helminths are parasitic worms that reproduce sexually. Therefore, the correct answer is B, bacteria, as they specifically utilize binary fission for reproduction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (4) because biosafety levels range from 1 to 4, each corresponding to the level of containment required when handling different types of organisms. BSL-1 is for low-risk agents, while BSL-4 is for dangerous pathogens. Choice A (1) is incorrect as there are multiple levels, not just one. Choice B (2) and C (3) are incorrect as they do not account for all the levels of biosafety required for handling various organisms. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it encompasses the full range of biosafety levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Clostridium botulinum is known for producing the neurotoxin causing botulism. 2. Botulinum toxin paralyzes muscles, leading to symptoms of botulism. 3. Clostridium tetani produces tetanus toxin causing muscle rigidity, not botulism. 4. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, not botulism. 5. Escherichia coli can cause food poisoning, but not botulism. Summary: Choice A is correct (Clostridium botulinum) due to its association with botulism and neurotoxin production. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with different diseases and toxins.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely causative agent is Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Step 1: Presence of rod-shaped bacteria indicates a bacillus. Step 2: Polar granules suggest metachromatic granules seen in C. diphtheriae. Step 3: C. diphtheriae causes diphtheria, which presents with sore throat. Summary: B is incorrect as S. pneumoniae is a cocci, not a bacillus. C is incorrect as H. influenzae is a pleomorphic coccobacillus. D is incorrect as K. pneumoniae is a large, encapsulated bacillus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 4-10% of all materials building the cell wall. Gram (-) bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer making up 4-10% of the cell wall. This is in contrast to Gram (+) bacteria which have a thicker peptidoglycan layer. Choice A is too high a percentage for Gram (-) bacteria. Choice B is too low as it would not provide enough structural support. Choice D is also too high and would not accurately reflect the composition of Gram (-) bacteria.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Helicobacter pylori is known for producing urease enzyme to neutralize stomach acid. 2. Urease enzyme converts urea into ammonia, buffering the acidic pH. 3. This adaptation allows H. pylori to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach. 4. Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri do not produce urease. 5. Therefore, C is the correct answer based on the unique urease-producing capability of H. pylori.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. This manual is a comprehensive and authoritative resource specifically dedicated to bacterial taxonomy, classification, and identification. It provides detailed descriptions and classification schemes for bacteria, aiding in accurate identification and understanding of bacterial species. Gray's Anatomy (choice A) focuses on human anatomy, the WHO Manual (choice C) focuses on global health guidelines, and Darwin's Origin of Species (choice D) discusses evolution and natural selection, none of which are specialized taxonomic resources for bacteria.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Transduction is the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells with the help of a phage (virus). This process involves a phage infecting a bacterial cell, replicating inside it, and then transferring bacterial DNA along with phage DNA to another bacterial cell. This is different from transformation (choice A) which involves the uptake of naked DNA by a bacterial cell and plasmid transfer (choice C) which involves the transfer of small, circular DNA molecules. Therefore, the correct answer is B because it specifically describes the process of transduction in bacteria, while choices A and C describe different mechanisms of genetic transfer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (Nystatin) is the correct answer: 1. Nystatin is an antifungal medication specifically effective against Candida infections. 2. Candida is a type of fungus, not a bacteria targeted by penicillins (choice A) or cephalosporins (choice B). 3. Nystatin works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, leading to its death. 4. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as Nystatin is a suitable treatment option for Candida infections.