ATI RN
Microbiology An Introduction 12th Edition Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
In 8 days after a surgery the patient developed tetanus. The surgeon suspects this condition to be caused by suture material contaminated by tetanus agent. The material is delivered to a bacteriological laboratory. What nutrient medium is required for primary inoculation of the suture material?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kitt-Tarozzi medium. This medium is used for the primary inoculation of suture material suspected of causing tetanus. The rationale is that Kitt-Tarozzi medium contains the necessary nutrients to support the growth of Clostridium tetani, the bacterium responsible for tetanus. This medium is selective and helps in isolating the specific pathogen from the contaminated suture material. Summary of other choices: B: Endo agar is used for the isolation of Gram-negative bacteria from clinical and non-clinical samples. C: Sabouraud agar is used for the isolation of fungi and yeast. D: Egg-yolk salt agar is used for the detection of lipase-producing bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.
Question 2 of 9
Botulism agent causes severe food toxicoinfection. Point out the most characteristic morphologic feature of botulism agent.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thick gram-positive non-sporeforming bacilli. In botulism, the causative agent, Clostridium botulinum, is a thick gram-positive bacilli that does not form spores. This is a key characteristic morphologic feature. A: Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli with subterminal spore - This is incorrect as Clostridium botulinum does not have subterminal spores. C: Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli with terminal spore - Incorrect because Clostridium botulinum does not form spores. D: Thin mobile spore-forming bacilli with central spore - Incorrect because Clostridium botulinum is not thin, mobile, or spore-forming. In summary, the most characteristic morphologic feature of the botulism agent is being thick, gram-positive, and non-sporeforming, making choice B the correct answer.
Question 3 of 9
The enzyme required for replication of viral RNA is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This enzyme is required for replicating viral RNA due to its ability to catalyze the synthesis of RNA using an RNA template. Reverse transcriptase (A) is used to transcribe RNA into DNA, not replicate viral RNA. DNA polymerase (B) is used for replicating DNA, not RNA. Ligase (D) is involved in joining DNA fragments, not in replicating viral RNA. Therefore, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is the only enzyme that specifically performs the function required for replicating viral RNA.
Question 4 of 9
Enzymes that remove functional groups from a substrate without adding water, or that add functional groups to a double bond, are called
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: lyases. Lyases are enzymes that catalyze the breaking of chemical bonds without the addition of water. They can remove functional groups from substrates or add functional groups to double bonds without the use of water. A: Oxidoreductases involve the transfer of electrons. B: Transferases transfer functional groups from one molecule to another. C: Hydrolases catalyze the breaking of bonds by adding water.
Question 5 of 9
An example of selective media is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: McConkey agar. Selective media selectively inhibit the growth of certain organisms while allowing others to grow. McConkey agar contains crystal violet and bile salts that inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, making it selective for Gram-negative bacteria. Choices B and C are not selective media, as they do not specifically inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria. Choice D is incorrect as McConkey agar is indeed an example of selective media.
Question 6 of 9
The complex of all biological processes/mechanisms responsible for the state of steady internal, physical and chemical conditions in the living systems and defense against all foreign agents is knows as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. It involves various biological processes and mechanisms that regulate factors such as temperature, pH, and nutrient levels within narrow limits. This is crucial for the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs. Now, let's analyze the other choices: A: Infection - Infection refers to the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, leading to illnesses. It is not the correct answer as it does not encompass the overall maintenance of internal conditions. C: Immunity - Immunity is the body's ability to resist and fight off infections. While immunity is related to defense against foreign agents, it does not fully capture the concept of maintaining internal stability. D: Commensalism - Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship between different species where one benefits without harming the other. It is not related to the overall regulation of
Question 7 of 9
The optochin sensitivity test demonstrates:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The optochin sensitivity test is used to differentiate Pneumococcal (Streptococcus pneumoniae) from other streptococci. Optochin sensitivity is a characteristic feature of Pneumococcal, as it inhibits its growth. The test involves placing optochin discs on a culture plate and observing the zone of inhibition around the disc for Pneumococcal. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococci, and Group A streptococci do not exhibit optochin sensitivity, making them incorrect choices. In summary, the optochin sensitivity test is specific to Pneumococcal, making choice B the correct answer.
Question 8 of 9
A bacteriological laboratory has received smears from the sputum of a patient with a chronic pulmonary disease. Microscopical examination of the smears stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen technique revealed red bacilli. What property of the tuberculosis bacillus has shown itself?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acid resistance. The Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique is specifically used to detect acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is resistant to acid decolorization. This property allows the tuberculosis bacillus to retain the stain even after exposure to acid-alcohol, appearing red under the microscope. Explanation of incorrect choices: B: Alkali resistance - This property is not relevant in the context of Ziehl-Neelsen staining for acid-fast bacteria. C: Alcohol resistance - While alcohol resistance is related to acid-fastness, it is not the specific property highlighted by Ziehl-Neelsen staining. D: Capsule formation - Capsule formation is a different characteristic and not directly related to the staining behavior of acid-fast bacteria in the Ziehl-Neelsen technique.
Question 9 of 9
What structure allows bacteria to exchange genetic material?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pili. Pili are hair-like appendages on the surface of bacteria that facilitate the exchange of genetic material through a process called conjugation. During conjugation, bacteria can transfer plasmids and other genetic material to neighboring bacteria through pili. This allows for the exchange of beneficial traits like antibiotic resistance. Choice B, Flagella, are involved in bacterial movement and not in genetic material exchange. Choice C, Endospores, are protective structures formed by bacteria in response to harsh conditions, but they are not involved in genetic material exchange. Choice D, Capsules, are protective layers around bacteria that help in adherence to surfaces and evasion of the immune system, but they do not play a role in genetic material exchange.