Chlorhexidine

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Chlorhexidine belongs to the group of biguanides, making choice A accurate. Step 2: It is commonly used for disinfection of hands, skin, and mucous membranes. Step 3: It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, making it widely applicable. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as chlorhexidine is not classified as an alcohol. Choice C is incorrect as chlorhexidine has various applications. Choice D is incorrect as chlorhexidine is generally safe for use with low toxicity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gram staining. This method is used to differentiate bacteria based on their cell wall composition. In cholera, the causative agent is Vibrio cholerae, which is Gram-negative. By performing Gram staining, the bacteria will appear pink/red under the microscope, confirming the presence of Gram-negative bacteria. Choice B: Neisser's staining is used for staining capsules of bacteria, not suitable for confirming cholera diagnosis. Choice C: Ziehl-Neelsen staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not for confirming cholera diagnosis. Choice D: Burri-Gins staining is not a standard staining method in microbiology and is not relevant for confirming cholera diagnosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba gingivalis. This organism matches the description provided in the question - unicellular with pseudopodia and ingested white blood cells, commonly found in dental plaque. Entamoeba gingivalis is known to inhabit the oral cavity and is associated with periodontal disease. Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, and Balantidium coli do not match the characteristics mentioned in the question and are not typically found in the oral cavity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Motility. The bacterial flagellum is a whip-like appendage that helps bacteria move by rotating like a propeller. This motility allows bacteria to navigate their environment, find nutrients, and avoid harmful conditions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the bacterial flagellum is not involved in protein synthesis, DNA replication, or spore formation. Protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, DNA replication takes place in the nucleus or nucleoid, and spore formation is a specialized process involving the production of spores for survival in harsh conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fimbriae in bacteria are hair-like appendages that help in adhesion to surfaces. This is essential for colonization and infection. Fimbriae do not provide motility (flagella do), facilitate protein synthesis (ribosomes do), or help in endospore formation (specialized structures do). Adhesion is the primary function of fimbriae, allowing bacteria to stick to host cells or abiotic surfaces.