Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis as it specifically infects the lungs and can spread through the air. Mycobacterium leprae (choice A) causes leprosy, not tuberculosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice C) is a common cause of pneumonia but not tuberculosis. Clostridium botulinum (choice D) causes botulism, a different disease unrelated to tuberculosis. Therefore, the unique characteristics and infection pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis make it the correct choice for the bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: halophiles. Halophiles are bacteria that thrive in high salt concentrations due to their ability to regulate osmotic pressure. They have adapted mechanisms to survive in such extreme environments. Option A, acidophiles, thrive in acidic conditions, not high salt concentrations. Option B, thermophiles, thrive in high temperature environments. Option D, mesophiles, thrive in moderate temperature conditions, not necessarily high salt concentrations. Therefore, the correct choice is C as it specifically refers to bacteria that thrive in high salt concentrations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: circular double-stranded DNA. Bacterial genomes are typically composed of circular double-stranded DNA due to its stability and efficient replication. Circular DNA allows for continuous replication without the need for telomeres present in linear DNA (choice B). Bacteria do not typically have double-stranded RNA genomes (choice A) as RNA is more commonly found in viruses. Single-stranded DNA (choice D) is not typically the main genetic material in bacteria, as it is less stable and less efficient for information storage compared to double-stranded DNA.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: adolescents. Infectious mononucleosis is commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is transmitted through saliva. Adolescents are more likely to engage in activities like kissing and sharing drinks, increasing the chances of virus transmission. Infants have maternal antibodies for protection, young adults may have developed immunity, and the elderly have had more exposure to the virus and may have built immunity over time.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. This is because Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive rod bacterium that forms terminal spores. It is commonly associated with deep tissue infections and can cause gas gangrene. Bacillus anthracis (B) causes anthrax and does not typically form spores at the terminal end. Clostridium tetani (C) causes tetanus and Bacillus cereus (D) is more commonly associated with food poisoning. In this case, the presence of terminal spores along with the clinical presentation of a deep tissue infection points towards Clostridium perfringens as the most likely causative agent.