Nonchromosomal DNA molecules found in a bacterial cell are

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: plasmids. Plasmids are nonchromosomal DNA molecules commonly found in bacterial cells, providing additional genetic material for bacteria. They are not essential for bacterial survival but can confer advantages such as antibiotic resistance. Endospores (A) are dormant bacterial structures resistant to harsh conditions. Transposons (B) are mobile genetic elements that can move within a genome. Prions (D) are misfolded proteins causing neurodegenerative diseases, not DNA molecules.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. The rationale for this is that protozoa are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases in humans. Cat scratch disease (A) is caused by a bacterium, Bartonella henselae. Relapsing fever (C) is caused by the bacterium Borrelia recurrentis. Plague (D) is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Therefore, the only choice caused by a protozoan is toxoplasmosis, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a viral capsid is a protein coat that surrounds and protects the viral nucleic acid (DNA or RNA). It helps in the attachment of the virus to host cells and protects the genetic material during transmission. Choice A is incorrect because a viral capsid is composed of proteins, not an envelope. Choice C is incorrect because not all viruses have an outer membrane. Choice D is incorrect because a viral capsid is primarily made up of proteins, not lipids.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. E. coli is commonly associated with UTIs due to its ability to colonize the urinary tract. It possesses adhesins that allow it to attach to the bladder wall, causing infection. E. coli is also a common inhabitant of the intestinal tract, making it easily able to migrate to the urinary system. Explanation of incorrect choices: B: Clostridium botulinum - This bacterium causes botulism, a rare foodborne illness, not UTIs. C: Staphylococcus aureus - Often associated with skin infections and abscesses, not UTIs. D: Bacillus cereus - Known for causing food poisoning, not UTIs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neutralization. In this experiment, the ABE botulinum antitoxin serum is introduced along with the extract to neutralize the botulinum toxin. This is a specific type of serological reaction where the antitoxin serum binds to and neutralizes the toxin, preventing it from causing harm. Summary: - B: Precipitation involves the formation of visible insoluble complexes, which is not the case in this experiment. - C: Complement binding involves the activation of complement proteins, which is not the main mechanism at play here. - D: Double immunodiffusion is a technique to detect the presence of specific antigens or antibodies, but it is not directly related to the neutralization of toxins as seen in this experiment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Leptospira. The key features pointing to Leptospira are the presence of convoluted bacteria resembling C and S letters, which is characteristic of Leptospira species. Leptospirosis presents with fever, jaundice, haemorrhagic rash, and acute renal insufficiency. The other choices (B: Treponema, C: Spirilla, D: Borrelia) do not match the histological description or the clinical presentation of the case. Treponema is associated with syphilis, Spirilla with genus Spirochaeta, and Borrelia with Lyme disease, none of which match the given scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The Gram stain process involves staining bacterial cells with crystal violet and iodine, followed by decolorization and counterstaining. The primary differentiation is based on the cell wall structure, distinguishing bacteria into Gram-positive (retain purple color) and Gram-negative (lose purple color). This classification is crucial in microbiology for treatment decisions as it correlates with different antibiotic susceptibilities. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the Gram stain process does not primarily focus on flagella, shape, or motility of bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: pharmacotherapeutics. Pharmacotherapeutics focuses on the selection and use of drugs for disease prevention, treatment, and diagnosis. It involves determining the most effective and safe medications for specific conditions based on patient factors. Toxicology (B) is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals, including drugs. Pharmacokinetics (C) focuses on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body. Pharmacy (D) involves the preparation and dispensing of medications, but does not specifically address drug selection and application for disease management. Therefore, pharmacotherapeutics is the most suitable discipline for addressing the use of drugs in disease management.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a fourfold increase in titer in the second serum sample indicates a significant rise in specific antibodies, which is crucial for diagnosing viral infections accurately. This increase is considered significant in serologic reactions as it shows a strong antibody response to the virus. A: A threshold increase may not be substantial enough to confirm a diagnostic antibody response. B: Dismissing the increase in titer would overlook important diagnostic information. C: A twofold increase may not be as indicative of a strong antibody response compared to a fourfold increase.