Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacterial DNA. PCR analysis detects specific DNA sequences, so a positive result for H. pylori indicates the presence of the bacterial DNA in the gastric biopsy specimen. This method identifies the genetic material of the bacterium, not the bacterium itself (choice C) or its toxins (choice B). Additionally, PCR does not directly detect bacterial enzymes (choice D) but rather focuses on genetic material for accurate identification. Therefore, in this case, the detection of H. pylori in the PCR analysis points to the presence of bacterial DNA, confirming the etiology of peptic ulcer disease.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fibers at the vertices of the icosahedron. Adenoviruses have fibers at the vertices of the icosahedron, which give them their distinctive pattern. These fibers help in attaching to host cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because adenoviruses do not have a lipid envelope, helical capsid, or ssDNA. Adenoviruses have a non-enveloped icosahedral capsid and contain dsDNA. This makes choice D the correct answer as it specifically relates to the unique structural feature of adenoviruses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nucleocapsid of viruses is composed of the genome (genetic material) and the capsid (protein coat). The genome contains the viral genetic information, while the capsid protects the genome and helps in viral attachment and entry into host cells. Choice A is incorrect because the envelope is not part of the nucleocapsid but surrounds the capsid in some viruses. Choice C is incorrect as spikes are surface proteins on the viral envelope, not part of the nucleocapsid. Choice D is also incorrect because the envelope is external to the capsid and genome in many viruses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Treponema pallidum. 1. Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium known to cause syphilis. 2. Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, not syphilis. 3. Leptospira interrogans causes leptospirosis, not syphilis. 4. Rickettsia rickettsii causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever, not syphilis. Therefore, Treponema pallidum is the causative agent of syphilis, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that contains lipopolysaccharides, which play a role in pathogenicity and resistance to certain antibiotics. This outer membrane is a distinguishing feature of Gram-negative bacteria, as opposed to Gram-positive bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan layer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer, do have a cell wall (although it is different from Gram-positive bacteria), and do not contain teichoic acids.