What is the primary purpose of a bacterial capsule?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Enhancing virulence by preventing phagocytosis. Bacterial capsules help bacteria evade the immune system by preventing phagocytosis, a process where immune cells engulf and destroy pathogens. This enhances the bacteria's virulence and ability to cause infections. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because bacterial capsules do not directly contribute to protein synthesis, protect against desiccation, or facilitate motility.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis. This bacterium has unique cell wall components that make it resistant to the body's immune defenses, allowing it to survive and multiply within the host. Streptococcus pyogenes (Choice A), Escherichia coli (Choice C), and Bacillus anthracis (Choice D) are not associated with tuberculosis. Streptococcus pyogenes is known for causing strep throat and skin infections, Escherichia coli is commonly involved in gastrointestinal infections, and Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters, along with being catalase-positive and coagulase-negative, is indicative of Staphylococcus species. Staphylococcus epidermidis is commonly found on the skin, making it likely to cause wound infections. Summary: B: Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. C: Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative. D: Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is the most likely causative agent due to its characteristic features. Streptococcus pyogenes is Gram-positive cocci in chains, which matches the description provided in the question. It is also known to be beta-hemolytic, causing complete lysis of red blood cells on blood agar. Streptococcus pyogenes is a common pathogen causing sore throat, often associated with pharyngitis. Explanation for incorrect choices: B: Streptococcus pneumoniae - This bacterium is Gram-positive but usually occurs in pairs (diplococci) and is alpha-hemolytic. C: Enterococcus faecalis - This bacterium is Gram-positive cocci but is not typically beta-hemolytic and is not commonly associated with sore throat infections. D: Staphylococcus aureus - This bacterium is Gram-positive cocci but usually occurs in clusters and

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis, as it has unique characteristics that allow it to infect the lungs and evade the immune system, leading to a chronic infection. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a slow-growing, acid-fast bacterium that can survive and replicate within macrophages, causing the characteristic granulomas seen in tuberculosis. Choice B, Escherichia coli, is a common gut bacterium and is not responsible for tuberculosis. Choice C, Clostridium botulinum, causes botulism, not tuberculosis. Choice D, Salmonella enterica, causes food poisoning, not tuberculosis.