The key function of bacterial capsules is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: resisting phagocytosis. Bacterial capsules are composed of polysaccharides that help bacteria evade phagocytosis by immune cells. This physical barrier prevents immune cells from engulfing and destroying the bacteria. Facilitating motility (A), synthesizing DNA (C), and producing energy (D) are not primary functions of bacterial capsules. Motility is usually facilitated by flagella, DNA synthesis occurs in the bacterial chromosome, and energy production is typically carried out by metabolic processes within the bacterial cell.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of rods with polar dark blue granules stained by Neisser's method indicates metachromatic granules consistent with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The characteristic staining pattern is due to the presence of polar granules in the bacterial cells, a feature specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium tetani, and Escherichia coli do not exhibit this staining pattern or morphology typical of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contaminated wounds. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through breaks in the skin such as wounds or cuts. The bacteria produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Ingestion of contaminated food (choice A) is not a mode of transmission for tetanus. Inhalation of droplets (choice B) is more relevant for respiratory infections. Direct physical contact (choice D) is not the primary mode of transmission for tetanus as the bacteria need a portal of entry such as a wound to cause infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces the diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for causing diphtheria. The other choices, B, C, and D, are incorrect because Bacillus anthracis produces anthrax toxins, Clostridium tetani produces tetanus toxin, and Listeria monocytogenes does not produce the diphtheria toxin. Understanding the specific bacteria-toxin associations is crucial in correctly identifying the pathogen responsible for a particular disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. This test is used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria by measuring the zone of inhibition around antibiotic-soaked paper disks. It helps identify which antibiotics are effective against the bacteria being tested. This test is crucial in guiding antibiotic treatment decisions. A: Gram stain is used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition and morphology, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing. B: Catalase test is used to differentiate between catalase-positive and catalase-negative bacteria, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing. D: Endospore stain is used to detect the presence of endospores in bacteria, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing.