Microorganisms that show optimal growth in moderate temperatures (between 25° C and 40° C) are called:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: mesophiles. Mesophiles are microorganisms that thrive in moderate temperatures, typically between 25°C and 40°C. This temperature range is ideal for their growth and reproduction. Thermophiles (A) prefer high temperatures, psychrophiles (B) thrive in cold temperatures, and psychrotrophs (D) can grow at refrigeration temperatures but have an optimal range above 20°C. Therefore, the mesophiles are the best fit for organisms that show optimal growth in moderate temperatures.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: iatrogenic infections. Iatrogenic infections are those caused by medical interventions like catheter use. Catheters can introduce pathogens into the body, leading to infections. Local infections (B) refer to infections confined to a specific area, not necessarily caused by catheters. Exogenous infections (C) come from an external source, not specifically related to medical interventions. Endogenous infections (D) arise from the body's own flora and are not directly related to catheter use.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The bacterial capsule is composed of polysaccharides. This outer layer helps bacteria evade the host immune system, protect against desiccation, and aid in attachment to host cells. Polysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules, providing a protective barrier for the bacteria. Lipopolysaccharides (choice A) are found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and are not a major component of the capsule. Teichoic acid (choice B) is a component of the cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria, not the capsule. Peptidoglycan (choice D) is another component of the cell wall but is not part of the capsule.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Carry genes for antibiotic resistance. Bacterial plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can be transferred between bacteria, carrying genes such as antibiotic resistance. This allows bacteria to survive in the presence of antibiotics. Plasmids do not directly play a role in protein synthesis (choice A) or DNA replication (choice B). Plasmids are not responsible for motility (choice D) as that function is usually carried out by flagella or other cellular structures.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. E. coli is a Gram-negative rod that typically has a greenish hue on MacConkey agar due to its ability to ferment lactose, producing acid that changes the pH indicator to green. E. coli is a common cause of diarrhea, particularly in cases of traveler's diarrhea. Salmonella (B), Shigella (C), and Klebsiella (D) are also Gram-negative rods but do not typically show a greenish hue on MacConkey agar and are less commonly associated with causing diarrhea compared to E. coli.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cell wall. In the Gram staining method, the primary differentiation of bacteria is based on the composition of their cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet dye and appears purple under the microscope. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner layer of peptidoglycan and an outer membrane, which allows the crystal violet dye to be washed out during the decolorization step and take up the counterstain safranin, appearing pink. The different responses to stains are primarily due to the structural differences in the cell walls of these two types of bacteria. Summary: - Choice A: Cell wall is correct because it determines the differential staining in Gram staining. - Choice B: Cytoplasm is incorrect as it does not directly influence the staining properties of bacteria. - Choice C: Cytoplasmic membrane is incorrect as it is not the main structural

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium causes diphtheria, characterized by a grayish pseudomembrane in the throat. The dark blue-staining rods with polar granules seen in microscopic examination are known as metachromatic granules, which are specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Streptococcus pyogenes (choice B) causes strep throat but does not produce pseudomembranes. Haemophilus influenzae (choice C) can cause respiratory infections but does not typically present with a pseudomembrane. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (choice D) is a sexually transmitted bacterium and is not associated with the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quorum sensing in bacteria refers to a process of cell-cell communication. Bacteria release signaling molecules to communicate with each other, coordinating group behaviors such as biofilm formation or virulence factor production when a certain population density is reached. This communication helps bacteria respond collectively to environmental cues. A: Incorrect - Locomotion refers to movement, not communication between bacteria. C: Incorrect - Uptake of foreign DNA is related to genetic transfer mechanisms, not communication. D: Incorrect - Antibiotic resistance mechanisms may involve genetic changes but are not directly related to inter-bacterial communication. In summary, quorum sensing is a vital communication system that allows bacteria to coordinate behaviors for survival and adaptation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. E. coli is the most common bacteria responsible for causing urinary tract infections due to its ability to adhere to the urinary tract lining and multiply rapidly. It is a normal inhabitant of the gut and can enter the urinary tract through improper hygiene practices. Salmonella enterica and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are typically associated with other infections like food poisoning and gonorrhea, respectively. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, not urinary tract infections. Thus, based on its prevalence and pathogenicity in the urinary tract, E. coli is the correct choice.