Microscopy of sputum revealed acid-fast bacilli stained red against a blue background using Ziehl-Neelsen staining. What disease does this finding suggest?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of acid-fast bacilli stained red against a blue background indicates mycobacteria, specifically Mycobacterium tuberculosis in this case. Ziehl-Neelsen staining is commonly used to detect tuberculosis. Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which does not stain with Ziehl-Neelsen. Pneumonia is a general term for lung infections caused by various pathogens. Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which requires special staining methods different from Ziehl-Neelsen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycelium. Mycelium refers to the network of branching filaments that form the main body of a fungus. When fungi grow on solid media, they develop a visible mass of mycelium. Hyphae (A) are the individual filaments that make up mycelium. Spores (C) are reproductive cells produced by fungi. Columella (D) refers to a specialized structure found in some fungi but is not related to the colonies grown on solid media. Therefore, the correct term for the colonies of fungi on solid media is mycelium.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: glycocalyx. The glycocalyx is a matrix formed outside the plasma membrane that consists of glycoproteins and glycolipids. It plays crucial roles in cell-cell recognition, protection, and immune response. Cytoplasm (A) is the gel-like substance inside the cell, not outside. Exoplasm (C) is not a recognized term in biology. Cell wall (D) is a rigid structure found in plant cells, not outside the plasma membrane in all cells.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sexual transmission. The symptoms described are indicative of a vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. The presence of large gram-positive oval oblong cells forming pseudomycelium is characteristic of Candida infection. Sexual transmission is the most probable channel of infection as Candida can be transmitted through sexual contact. Endogenous infection (A) refers to infections originating from the body's own flora, which is not the case here. Contact infection (C) typically involves direct physical contact or fomite transmission, which is less likely in this scenario. Vector-borne transmission (D) involves transmission through vectors like mosquitoes or ticks, which is not relevant in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-negative bacillus indicates P. aeruginosa, known for causing wound infections. Step 2: Semi-transparent mucous colonies of blue-green color with a pearlescent appearance are characteristic of P. aeruginosa. Step 3: Specific odor of violets or jasmine is a unique feature of P. aeruginosa. Therefore, the correct answer is A: P. aeruginosa. Summary: - B: P. vulgaris typically forms yellow colonies and doesn't have the characteristic odor. - C: S. aureus forms creamy white colonies, not blue-green, and has a distinct odor. - D: S. pyogenes forms grayish-white colonies and doesn't have the unique characteristics described.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin causing botulism, Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea, and certain strains of Escherichia coli produce toxins causing gastrointestinal illness. Therefore, all three bacteria are known for producing toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Choices A, B, and C individually represent bacteria known for producing toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, making them incorrect individual choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chrysophyta. Diatoms are classified under the division Chrysophyta due to their unique characteristics, such as possessing a cell wall made of silica (siliceous frustule) and containing chlorophyll a and c for photosynthesis. Chrysophyta includes golden-brown algae, which diatoms are a part of. Rhodophyta (B) includes red algae, Chlorophyta (C) includes green algae, and Phaeophyta (D) includes brown algae. These choices are incorrect as they do not align with the specific characteristics and classification of diatoms within the kingdom Protista.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Positive strand RNA viruses. These viruses have RNA genomes that can be directly translated by host ribosomes without the need for transcription. In contrast, single-strand DNA and double-strand DNA viruses require transcription to generate mRNA for translation. Choice A is incorrect as there is a correct answer. Choice B and C are incorrect because both single-strand DNA and double-strand DNA viruses require transcription for mRNA synthesis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: High amount of mycolic acids. Mycobacteria are characterized by their unique cell wall composition, which includes a high amount of mycolic acids. Mycolic acids provide the bacteria with resistance to environmental stresses and are crucial for their pathogenicity. Polysaccharides (A) are not a prominent component of mycobacterial cell walls. While lipids (B) are present in mycobacterial cell walls, mycolic acids are the predominant lipid. Proteins (D) are also present but are not the defining feature of mycobacterial cell walls. Therefore, the correct answer is C due to the significant role mycolic acids play in the structure and function of mycobacterial cell walls.