Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transformation. During transformation, bacteria take up foreign DNA from the environment and incorporate it into their own genetic material. This process allows for genetic diversity and adaptation. Transduction (B) involves transfer of DNA via a virus, conjugation (C) involves direct transfer of DNA between bacterial cells, and binary fission (D) is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria. Transformation is the only process specifically related to bacteria taking up foreign DNA.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. 1. Gram-positive cocci suggest a staphylococcal species. 2. Catalase-positive indicates it belongs to the Staphylococcus genus. 3. Coagulase-negative rules out Staphylococcus aureus. 4. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common cause of infections in immunocompromised patients. Summary: - B: Staphylococcus aureus is coagulase-positive. - C: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive diplococci. - D: Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococci.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. It involves various biological processes and mechanisms that regulate factors such as temperature, pH, and nutrient levels within narrow limits. This is crucial for the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs. Now, let's analyze the other choices: A: Infection - Infection refers to the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, leading to illnesses. It is not the correct answer as it does not encompass the overall maintenance of internal conditions. C: Immunity - Immunity is the body's ability to resist and fight off infections. While immunity is related to defense against foreign agents, it does not fully capture the concept of maintaining internal stability. D: Commensalism - Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship between different species where one benefits without harming the other. It is not related to the overall regulation of

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Isolation on cell cultures. This method is the gold standard for routine mumps diagnosis as it involves isolating the virus in cell cultures to confirm the presence of the mumps virus. PCR (choice A) is used for detecting viral RNA, not for routine diagnosis. ELISA (choice C) detects antibodies, not the virus itself. Immunofluorescence method (choice D) is used for visualizing viral antigens but is not as reliable as isolating the virus in cell cultures for diagnosis.

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.