What is the significance of a healthy gut microbiome?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system by defending against harmful pathogens, synthesizing essential nutrients like vitamins, aiding in the digestion of certain foods, and maintaining overall gut health. While the gut microbiome does contribute to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and regulation of appetite, its significance extends beyond these functions to include immune support and nutrient synthesis. Choice A, production of digestive enzymes, is not the primary significance of a healthy gut microbiome. Choice C is a function related to the gut microbiome but is not the sole significance. Choice D, regulation of appetite, is important but not as central as the immune system support and nutrient synthesis provided by a healthy gut microbiome.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lymph moves through the lymphatic vessels primarily due to muscle contractions and breathing movements and also with the help of one-way valves within the vessels. The lymphatic system lacks a central pump like the heart; hence, it relies on the contraction of surrounding muscles and breathing movements to propel lymph fluid. One-way valves within the lymphatic vessels prevent backflow and ensure the unidirectional flow of lymph. Option A is incorrect as the lymphatic system does not rely on the pumping action of the heart. Option D is incorrect as the correct answer is the combination of muscle contractions, breathing movements, and one-way valves, not all the options provided.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: B cells are responsible for producing antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response. When activated by a specific antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies to target and neutralize pathogens. Natural killer cells are primarily involved in killing infected or cancerous cells, phagocytes engulf pathogens, and helper T cells assist in activating other immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is B cells because they play a crucial role in antibody production, a key component of the adaptive immune response.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Aseptic meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, echovirus), herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and others. These viruses can infect the meninges, leading to inflammation and symptoms of meningitis without the presence of bacteria. While bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening condition, aseptic meningitis caused by viruses is usually less severe and has a better prognosis. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of meningitis compared to bacteria and viruses.