Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cell wall. In the Gram staining method, the primary differentiation of bacteria is based on the composition of their cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet dye and appears purple under the microscope. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner layer of peptidoglycan and an outer membrane, which allows the crystal violet dye to be washed out during the decolorization step and take up the counterstain safranin, appearing pink. The different responses to stains are primarily due to the structural differences in the cell walls of these two types of bacteria. Summary: - Choice A: Cell wall is correct because it determines the differential staining in Gram staining. - Choice B: Cytoplasm is incorrect as it does not directly influence the staining properties of bacteria. - Choice C: Cytoplasmic membrane is incorrect as it is not the main structural

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium is the likely causative agent of the patient's symptoms based on the presentation of dysuria and purulent discharge, which are classic signs of gonorrhea. Gram-negative diplococci are characteristic of Neisseria species. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a sexually transmitted pathogen commonly associated with urethral infections. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis are not typically associated with urethral discharge and are not Gram-negative diplococci.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: infants. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is most common in infants because their immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to Staphylococcus aureus infections. This bacteria produces exotoxins that cause the skin to blister and peel, characteristic of the syndrome. Adolescents, young adults, and the elderly have more mature immune systems, making them less vulnerable to this specific infection. Therefore, infants are at a higher risk for developing Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome compared to other age groups.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Absence of a cell wall. L-form transformation is a phenomenon where the pathogen loses its cell wall, making it resistant to antibiotics like penicillin. The absence of a cell wall allows the pathogen to survive in a hostile environment. Choice B: Absence of flagella is incorrect because flagella are responsible for motility and not directly related to L-form transformation. Choice C: Absence of a capsule is incorrect as the capsule is a protective layer outside the cell wall and not affected by L-form transformation. Choice D: Absence of a spore is incorrect because spores are a dormant form of bacteria and not related to L-form transformation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: As a result of mosquito's bites. Sleeping sickness, also known as African trypanosomiasis, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma transmitted by tsetse flies, not mosquitoes. Tsetse flies are primarily found in Africa, not South America. Choice A is incorrect as bug bites do not transmit sleeping sickness. Choice C is incorrect as contaminated fruits and vegetables do not transmit the disease. Choice D is incorrect as dirty hands do not play a role in the transmission of sleeping sickness.