Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including their spores, which are the most resistant form of microbial life. Spores have a tough outer coating that protects them from harsh conditions, making them more difficult to destroy compared to vegetative cells, viruses, and protozoa. Therefore, the correct answer is C because sterilization targets and eliminates all forms of microorganisms, including spores. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sterilization goes beyond just targeting vegetative cells, viruses, or protozoa; it aims to eliminate all microorganisms present.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because bacteriocins are substances with protein nature, not polysaccharides. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that kill bacterial cells, mainly those of closely related species or other strains of the same species. Polysaccharides are not typically involved in bacteriocin activity. Therefore, option C is false. Options A, B, and D are true statements supported by the nature and function of bacteriocins.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because bacteria synthesize enzymes with various nature and action. This is true because bacteria can produce a wide range of enzymes to carry out different functions such as metabolism, cell wall synthesis, and nutrient acquisition. Option A is incorrect because bacteria do not synthesize identical enzyme sets due to their diverse functions. Option C is incorrect as bacteria and viruses have distinct enzyme profiles. Option D is incorrect as viruses typically have a narrower range of enzymes compared to bacteria. Therefore, the variability in enzyme types and actions produced by bacteria supports the correctness of option B.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: McConkey agar. Selective media selectively inhibit the growth of certain organisms while allowing others to grow. McConkey agar contains crystal violet and bile salts that inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, making it selective for Gram-negative bacteria. Choices B and C are not selective media, as they do not specifically inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria. Choice D is incorrect as McConkey agar is indeed an example of selective media.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This enzyme is required for replicating viral RNA due to its ability to catalyze the synthesis of RNA using an RNA template. Reverse transcriptase (A) is used to transcribe RNA into DNA, not replicate viral RNA. DNA polymerase (B) is used for replicating DNA, not RNA. Ligase (D) is involved in joining DNA fragments, not in replicating viral RNA. Therefore, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is the only enzyme that specifically performs the function required for replicating viral RNA.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gin's stain method. Gin's stain method is specifically used to detect capsules of bacteria. This method involves staining the bacteria with crystal violet and copper sulfate, which highlights the capsules as a clear halo around the stained bacterial cells. Ziehl-Neelsen's stain is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Neisser's stain is for detecting Neisseria species, and Gram's stain is for differentiating bacteria based on their cell wall composition (Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative). Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect for this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Widal test is used to diagnose typhoid fever caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. The test detects antibodies produced in response to the bacteria. Positive results indicate a current or past infection with typhoid fever. Choice A (Syphilis) is incorrect as it is diagnosed using different tests like RPR or TPPA. Choice C (AIDS) is diagnosed with HIV tests like ELISA or Western blot. Choice D (Lyme disease) is diagnosed using tests like ELISA or Western blot specific for Borrelia burgdorferi.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because both Clostridium botulinum and Bacillus anthracis are capable of forming spores to survive in extreme conditions. Clostridium botulinum is known for causing botulism and produces highly heat-resistant spores, while Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax and also forms spores. Choice A is incorrect because only Clostridium botulinum is mentioned, not Bacillus anthracis. Choice B is incorrect because only Bacillus anthracis is mentioned, not Clostridium botulinum. Choice D is incorrect as it states that none of the bacteria can form spores, which is false based on the characteristics of Clostridium botulinum and Bacillus anthracis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Staphylococcus epidermidis. This bacterium is a normal skin flora commonly found on human skin. It is part of the skin microbiota and helps protect against pathogenic organisms. Streptococcus pyogenes (A), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (C), and Acinetobacter baumannii (D) are not normal skin flora. Streptococcus pyogenes is a pathogenic bacterium causing various infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in water and soil, and Acinetobacter baumannii is associated with healthcare-associated infections.