Exotoxins are:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Exotoxins are proteins produced inside the microbe cell and then released outside the cell to exert their toxic effects on neighboring cells or tissues. This is why choice A is correct. Choices B and C are incorrect because exotoxins are not meant to act within the same cell they are produced in. Choice D is incorrect because exotoxins are usually released without causing cell lysis; they are secreted by the microbe actively rather than being leaked out due to cell damage.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in hospital environments. 2. It is an opportunistic pathogen causing various nosocomial infections. 3. Its ability to develop resistance to antibiotics makes it a significant threat. 4. Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria, not common nosocomial infections. 5. Shigella sonnei causes foodborne illness, not typically nosocomial infections. 6. "None of the above" is incorrect as Pseudomonas is indeed commonly associated with nosocomial infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: presence of metachromatic granules. This is because Corynebacterium diphtheriae is known for containing metachromatic granules, which are characteristic of this species. These granules can be observed under a microscope and aid in the identification of the bacteria. Explanation of other choices: A: formation of spores - Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not form spores. Spore formation is more commonly seen in bacteria such as Bacillus and Clostridium species. C: production of coagulase - Coagulase production is a characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus, not Corynebacterium diphtheriae. D: beta-hemolysis on blood agar - Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not exhibit beta-hemolysis on blood agar. This type of hemolysis is more typical of Streptococcus pyogenes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Motility. Native microscopic slides are ideal for observing motility because they allow for the observation of living microorganisms in their natural state. By observing the movement of microorganisms on a native slide, one can assess their motility characteristics accurately. Choice B (Division) is incorrect because native slides may not provide the ideal conditions for observing cell division, as it may be difficult to capture the exact moment of division in a live organism. Choice C (Presence of capsules) is also incorrect because observing capsules usually requires specific staining techniques that may not be suitable for native slides. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as native slides are indeed beneficial for observing motility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shigella dysenteriae. This bacterium produces Shiga toxin, which inhibits protein synthesis by inactivating the ribosomes. Shigella dysenteriae is known to cause severe gastrointestinal infections. Choice B: Escherichia coli typically does not produce toxins that inhibit protein synthesis. E. coli strains may produce toxins that cause diarrhea. Choice C: Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin toxin, which affects the nervous system but does not inhibit protein synthesis. Choice D: Staphylococcus aureus produces toxins like enterotoxins and exotoxins but these toxins do not directly inhibit protein synthesis.