The tool of choice to observe living microorganisms is the

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: phase-contrast microscope. This type of microscope is ideal for observing living microorganisms because it enhances the contrast of transparent specimens without the need for staining or fixing, allowing for clear visualization of internal structures and movements. Bright-field microscopes (A) are suitable for observing fixed and stained specimens, not living organisms. Fluorescence microscopes (C) are used to detect specific cellular components tagged with fluorescent markers, not ideal for observing overall morphology. Electron microscopes (D) use electron beams and are best for viewing detailed structures at high magnification, but are not suitable for observing living organisms due to the need for vacuum conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium leprae. This bacterium is responsible for causing leprosy because it has a unique ability to infect the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. It is an acid-fast bacillus that multiplies very slowly, leading to a chronic infection. Clostridium botulinum (choice C) causes botulism, Escherichia coli (choice B) causes various gastrointestinal infections, and Staphylococcus aureus (choice D) causes skin infections and other diseases, but none of these bacteria are associated with leprosy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Clostridium botulinum is known for producing the neurotoxin causing botulism. 2. Botulinum toxin paralyzes muscles, leading to symptoms of botulism. 3. Clostridium tetani produces tetanus toxin causing muscle rigidity, not botulism. 4. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, not botulism. 5. Escherichia coli can cause food poisoning, but not botulism. Summary: Choice A is correct (Clostridium botulinum) due to its association with botulism and neurotoxin production. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with different diseases and toxins.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why A is correct: 1. Clostridium tetani is known to produce tetanus toxin. 2. The tetanus toxin causes muscle rigidity and spasms characteristic of tetanus. 3. Clostridium perfringens is associated with gas gangrene, not tetanus. 4. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not tetanus. 5. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not tetanus. In summary, Clostridium tetani is the correct answer as it is specifically associated with causing tetanus, while the other choices are associated with different diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough. 2. It secretes toxins that damage the respiratory tract. 3. Symptoms include severe coughing fits and the characteristic "whoop" sound. 4. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not whooping cough. 5. Haemophilus influenzae causes various infections, not whooping cough. 6. Staphylococcus aureus causes skin infections, not whooping cough.