The function of catalase in bacteria is to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: decompose hydrogen peroxide. Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This is important in bacteria to protect them from the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct of metabolism. Choice B is incorrect as peptidoglycan synthesis is not the function of catalase. Choice C is incorrect as oxidative phosphorylation is a metabolic process unrelated to catalase function. Choice D is incorrect as endotoxin production is not a role of catalase.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: serratia spp. This is because serratia spp. are not typically found in the normal skin microflora. Normal skin microflora primarily consist of bacteria such as diphtheroids, alpha-hemolytic streptococci, and epidermidis. Serratia spp. are more commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections rather than being a part of the skin's natural bacterial flora. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are commonly found in the normal skin microflora.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: anabolic. Anabolic reactions involve the synthesis of larger organic molecules from smaller precursor molecules. This process requires energy input and is essential for growth and repair in living organisms. Choice B: Catabolic reactions involve the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process. This is the opposite of what is described in the question. Choice C: Metabolic is a broad term that encompasses all chemical processes in living organisms, including both anabolic and catabolic reactions. It is not specific to the assembly of small molecules into larger ones. Choice D: "Any of the above" is incorrect because only anabolic reactions specifically involve the assembly of small precursor molecules into larger organic molecules.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sandfly. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of infected sandflies. These tiny insects are known vectors for Leishmania parasites. Sandflies are active during dusk and night, feeding on blood from mammals, including humans. Tick (B), mosquito (C), and tsetse fly (D) are not vectors for Leishmania parasites. Ticks transmit diseases like Lyme disease, mosquitoes transmit diseases like malaria, and tsetse flies transmit African trypanosomiasis. Therefore, the correct vector for cutaneous leishmaniasis is the sandfly due to its specific role in transmitting the Leishmania parasite.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-positive cocci in grape-like clusters suggest Staphylococcus. Step 2: Catalase-positive indicates Staphylococcus (negative for Streptococcus). Step 3: Coagulase-positive is specific for Staphylococcus aureus. Summary: B: Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative. C: Enterococcus faecalis does not form grape-like clusters. D: Micrococcus luteus is catalase-positive but not coagulase-positive.