Lytic cycle of the bacteriophages differs from the lysogenic one by

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in the lytic cycle, the bacteriophage destroys the host cell upon release, whereas in the lysogenic cycle, the phage integrates its DNA into the host genome without killing the host immediately. This integration may lead to the destruction of the host cell at a later stage. Choice B is incorrect as lytic phages do destroy the host cell. Choice C is incorrect as the two cycles have distinct mechanisms. Choice D is incorrect as there are clear differences between the lytic and lysogenic cycles.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) can cause bacterial meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of meningococcal meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae can cause H. influenzae meningitis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumococcal meningitis. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct. The other choices are incorrect because each of the bacteria listed can independently cause bacterial meningitis, so none of them alone can be the sole correct answer.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Volutin granules. Volutin granules are metachromatic granules that stain dark blue with methylene blue or Leishman stain. In diphtheria-causing bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, these granules are typically seen as yellow rods with dark blue thickenings on their ends when stained. Volutin granules are storage inclusions composed of polymetaphosphate that serve as an energy reserve for the bacteria. The presence of these granules in the detected microorganisms indicates the characteristic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Summary of other choices: B: Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules that are not typically visible on stained smears. C: Capsules are outer protective layers that are not visible on stained smears. D: Spores are reproductive structures formed by certain bacteria, not typically seen in Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Giardia lamblia. This protozoan matches the description of the causative agent because it has two nuclei, four flagella, and a ventral adhesive disc. Giardia lamblia is commonly found in the duodenum and causes giardiasis. The other choices can be eliminated because Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis, not the described symptoms. Entamoeba coli is a non-pathogenic amoeba found in the large intestine. Trypanosoma gambiense causes African trypanosomiasis and is transmitted by the tsetse fly, not matching the described characteristics.