Gram staining is used to differentiate bacteria based on:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: cell wall composition. Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on the structure of their cell walls. It classifies bacteria into Gram-positive (thick peptidoglycan layer) and Gram-negative (thin peptidoglycan layer). This differentiation is crucial for identifying bacterial species and guiding treatment choices. Size and shape (choice A) are not specific to Gram staining. Presence of flagella (choice B) is related to bacterial motility, not Gram staining. Genetic material (choice D) is not directly assessed by Gram staining. Overall, the unique composition of the cell wall is the key factor in distinguishing bacteria through Gram staining.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: cell wall. Lysozyme is an enzyme that targets the cell wall of bacteria by breaking down the peptidoglycan layer, leading to bacterial cell lysis. This action disrupts the structural integrity of the bacteria, ultimately causing their death. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because lysozyme does not target the cytoplasm, nucleus, or capsule of bacteria. The primary function of lysozyme is to act on the cell wall, making option B the correct answer in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obligate anaerobes. These bacteria can only survive in the absence of oxygen as they lack the enzymes needed for aerobic respiration. They typically use fermentation or anaerobic respiration for energy production. Incorrect choices: B: Facultative anaerobes can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism based on oxygen availability. C: Obligate aerobes require oxygen for survival and cannot survive in anoxic conditions. D: Microaerophiles require low levels of oxygen for growth and are not capable of surviving in completely anoxic conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spores. The Ozheshko method is used to stain spores, which are resistant structures produced by certain bacterial species. By studying the smear of streptobacillus preparation under oil immersion, one can observe the presence of spores as distinct, oval bodies within the bacteria. Spores are important for bacterial survival in harsh conditions. Summary: B: Capsules are not typically stained using the Ozheshko method. Capsules are usually visualized using negative staining techniques. C: Flagella are not stained by the Ozheshko method. Flagella are visualized using special staining techniques like the flagella stain. D: Inclusions are not specifically stained by the Ozheshko method. Inclusions are often observed using techniques that highlight cellular structures or components.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because filoviruses, such as Ebola virus, require investigation in specifically equipped laboratories with high biological protection due to their high pathogenicity and risk of transmission. This is essential for ensuring the safety of researchers and preventing outbreaks. A: This is incorrect as filoviruses are not the most common cause of gastroenteritis; they primarily cause severe hemorrhagic fevers. C: Filoviruses are not widespread; they are typically confined to specific regions during outbreaks. D: Mass immunization is not used for filoviruses as there is no established vaccine for general prophylaxis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium is an anaerobic, Gram-positive rod that forms terminal spores and produces gas. It is commonly associated with wound infections and gas gangrene. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism and does not typically present with gas production. Bacillus anthracis is an aerobic, Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium causing anthrax. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus and does not produce gas. Thus, based on the characteristics described in the question, Clostridium perfringens is the most likely causative agent.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Psychrophilic: Grow best in cold temperatures 2. Mesophilic: Grow best in moderate temperatures 3. Thermophilic: Grow best in high temperatures - Choice A is incorrect as "thermophobic" is not a recognized term. - Choice B is incorrect as "psychophobic" is not a recognized term. - Choice D is incorrect as "mesophobic" is not a recognized term.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis are the most common causative agents of bacterial meningitis. Haemophilus influenzae is often seen in children, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common in adults, and Neisseria meningitidis is common in adolescents and young adults. Choice A is incorrect because although Streptococcus group B and Listeria monocytogenes can cause meningitis, E. Coli K1 is not a common causative agent. Choice C is incorrect because Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are not typically associated with bacterial meningitis. Choice D is incorrect as there are known causative agents for bacterial meningitis.