ATI RN
mastering microbiology test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The main structure components of viruses are
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: nucleic acid and proteins. Viruses consist of genetic material (nucleic acid) surrounded by a protein coat. The nucleic acid carries the viral genetic information, while the proteins form the capsid that protects the genetic material. This combination is essential for the virus to infect host cells and replicate. Lipids (choice B) are not typically part of the main structure of viruses. Lipids are more commonly found in the host cell membrane. Lipids and proteins (choice C) may be present in the viral envelope but are not the main structural components. Proteins and glycoproteins (choice D) are important for viral attachment and entry into host cells but do not constitute the main structural components of viruses.
Question 2 of 5
While examining the feces of a patient with diarrhea, cysts with four nuclei were found. What protozoan is most likely causing the condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoan causes amoebiasis, which presents with symptoms like diarrhea. The cysts with four nuclei found in the feces are characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoan is known to cause invasive infection, leading to tissue destruction and ulcers in the intestines. Lamblia (choice B) typically presents with cysts containing two nuclei. Trichomonas (choice C) is a sexually transmitted parasite and does not form cysts. Balantidium (choice D) is a ciliated protozoan that does not have four nuclei in its cyst form.
Question 3 of 5
Antigenic variation is used by bacteria to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: evade host immune responses. Antigenic variation allows bacteria to change their surface antigens, making it difficult for the host immune system to recognize and attack them effectively. This enhances the bacteria's ability to evade immune responses and establish infection. B: Increase antibiotic susceptibility is incorrect because antigenic variation does not directly impact the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. C: Increase peptidoglycan synthesis is incorrect because antigenic variation is not related to the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is a major component of the bacterial cell wall. D: Enhance motility is incorrect because antigenic variation does not directly affect the motility of bacteria. In summary, antigenic variation in bacteria primarily serves to help them evade host immune responses, making option A the correct answer.
Question 4 of 5
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.
Question 5 of 5
The main function of bacterial ribosomes is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: protein synthesis. Bacterial ribosomes are responsible for translating messenger RNA into proteins through a process called translation. Ribosomes are composed of both protein and RNA molecules and facilitate the binding of transfer RNA to the messenger RNA to assemble the amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. DNA replication (A) is carried out by enzymes such as DNA polymerase, not ribosomes. Cell wall synthesis (C) is a process involving enzymes that build the structure of the cell wall in bacteria. RNA splicing (D) is a eukaryotic process that involves removing introns from pre-mRNA molecules, which is not a function of bacterial ribosomes.