What is a viral capsid

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: protein envelope around the nucleic acid. Viral capsid is the protein coat that surrounds and protects the viral nucleic acid (DNA or RNA). This structure helps in protecting the genetic material from degradation and facilitates the attachment of the virus to host cells. Option B is incorrect as it suggests the nucleic acid is coated with protein, which is not the case. Option C is incorrect as not all viruses have an outer membrane. Option D is incorrect as viruses typically do not have a lipoprotein membrane.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: TRUE. Poxviruses are indeed the largest viruses known, ranging from 200-450 nm in size, which is close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. This makes them almost visible under a light microscope. Explanation: 1. Poxviruses have complex structures and are among the largest viruses. 2. Light microscopes have a resolution limit of around 200 nm. 3. Poxviruses fall within the size range that is close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. 4. Therefore, poxviruses are almost visible under a light microscope. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because poxviruses are indeed large enough to be almost visible under a light microscope. Choice C is incorrect as it implies uncertainty, but poxviruses are consistently close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. Choice D is incorrect as the size of poxviruses being almost visible under a light microscope is a factual statement, not dependent

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium causes diphtheria, characterized by a grayish pseudomembrane in the throat. The dark blue-staining rods with polar granules seen in microscopic examination are known as metachromatic granules, which are specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Streptococcus pyogenes (choice B) causes strep throat but does not produce pseudomembranes. Haemophilus influenzae (choice C) can cause respiratory infections but does not typically present with a pseudomembrane. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (choice D) is a sexually transmitted bacterium and is not associated with the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. The male reproductive system is considered sterile as it does not have a natural microbiota. 2. Any presence of microorganisms in this system could indicate an infection or disease. 3. Therefore, choice C, sterile with no normal flora, is the best characterization. Summary: A: Incorrect - The male reproductive system does not typically have gram-positive rods. B: Incorrect - Acid-fast rods are not part of the normal flora in the male reproductive system. D: Incorrect - The male reproductive system does not typically have gram-positive spore formers.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because antibody diversity is generated by rearrangements of DNA encoding variable regions of heavy and light chains (choice A) and by the combination of different heavy and light chains that form the antigen binding site (choice B). Step 1: DNA rearrangements create different variable regions in heavy and light chains. Step 2: Combination of different heavy and light chains leads to unique antigen binding sites. Step 3: This diversity allows antibodies to bind to different epitopes on the same antigen. Step 4: Choice C is incorrect as antibodies do not physically change shape to bind different epitopes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: peritrichous. Peritrichous bacteria have flagella distributed all over the cell surface, providing motility in various directions. This allows them to move efficiently through their environment. Option A and D, lophotrichous, have flagella clustered at one or both ends of the cell, limiting movement to specific directions. Option B, amphitrichous, have flagella at both ends of the cell, also limiting movement compared to peritrichous bacteria. Therefore, peritrichous is the correct choice for bacteria with flagella distributed over the general cell surface.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Infectious process triggers an immune response to fight off the invading pathogen. 2. The immune response can lead to inflammation, fever, and production of antibodies. 3. Hypersensitivity reactions can also occur in response to the infection. 4. Options A, B, and C are not defining features of the infectious process. Summary: Option D is correct because an infectious process typically leads to an immune response and possibly hypersensitivity reactions. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not specifically relate to the immune response or hypersensitivity reactions in the context of an infectious process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the neurotoxin responsible for botulism. Clostridium perfringens causes gas gangrene, not botulism. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are not associated with botulism. Clostridium botulinum is the only bacterium known to produce the toxin causing botulism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quorum sensing in bacteria refers to a process of cell-cell communication. Bacteria release signaling molecules to communicate with each other, coordinating group behaviors such as biofilm formation or virulence factor production when a certain population density is reached. This communication helps bacteria respond collectively to environmental cues. A: Incorrect - Locomotion refers to movement, not communication between bacteria. C: Incorrect - Uptake of foreign DNA is related to genetic transfer mechanisms, not communication. D: Incorrect - Antibiotic resistance mechanisms may involve genetic changes but are not directly related to inter-bacterial communication. In summary, quorum sensing is a vital communication system that allows bacteria to coordinate behaviors for survival and adaptation.