Francisella tularensis is:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Gram-negative coccobacillus. Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative coccobacillus because it has a unique shape that is between a coccus (spherical) and a bacillus (rod-shaped) and it stains pink/red in the Gram staining process. It is important to note that it is not a coccus (choice B) or a Gram-positive bacterium (choice A). Choice C is too general and does not specify the coccobacillus shape of F. tularensis. So, the correct answer is D due to its specific characteristics as a Gram-negative coccobacillus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Botulism typically presents with symptoms such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, diplopia, and descending flaccid paralysis. Chills, fever, and loss of consciousness are not typical of botulism. Botulism is caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which affects the nervous system leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, not fever or altered consciousness. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because transcription is the process in which messenger RNA transcripts are produced from DNA. During transcription, a specific segment of DNA is transcribed into mRNA by RNA polymerase. Choice A is incorrect because translation, not transcription, involves converting mRNA into protein. Choice B is incorrect as it describes DNA replication, not transcription. Choice D is incorrect because it refers to translation, where polypeptides are synthesized from mRNA. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it accurately describes the process of transcription.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because humoral immunity involves the formation of specific antibodies by B cells. B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies to target specific antigens. T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity, not humoral immunity. Choice A is incorrect because T cells do not produce antibodies. Choice C is incorrect as only B cells are responsible for antibody production in humoral immunity. Choice D is incorrect as B cells play a crucial role in the humoral immune response.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The lysozyme hydrolyzes the glycoside bonds between the N-acetylmuramic acid and the N-acetylglucosamine in the peptidoglycan of the cell wall. This is because lysozyme is an enzyme that specifically targets the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, breaking down the structure by cleaving the glycosidic bonds between these two specific sugar molecules. This action weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis. The other choices are incorrect because lysozyme does not target phosphate bonds in phospholipids (B), disulfide bonds in immunoglobulins (C), or hydrogen bonds in bacterial capsules (D).