Which bacteria produce a toxin that causes botulism?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the botulinum toxin, which causes botulism by blocking nerve functions. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not botulism. Staphylococcus aureus produces toxins that cause food poisoning, not botulism. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not botulism. Therefore, the correct choice is Clostridium botulinum because it is the specific bacterium responsible for producing the toxin that leads to botulism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Propionibacterium shermanii. This bacterium is used in the production of certain types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, to create the characteristic holes and flavor. Propionibacterium produces carbon dioxide gas during fermentation, forming the holes in the cheese. Acetobacter aceti (B) is used in vinegar production. Giardia (C) is a parasite that causes gastrointestinal issues, not used in cheese production. Fusobacterium (D) is a type of bacteria associated with infections in humans, not used in cheese production.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is responsible for causing botulism due to its production of botulinum toxin, which is one of the most potent neurotoxins known. Clostridium botulinum thrives in anaerobic conditions like improperly canned foods. Staphylococcus aureus (B), Bacillus anthracis (C), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (D) do not produce the botulinum toxin and are not associated with botulism. Staphylococcus aureus is known for causing food poisoning, Bacillus anthracis for anthrax, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for various infections, but not botulism.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed can produce toxins that cause severe diarrhea. Clostridium difficile produces toxins that can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Vibrio cholerae produces a toxin that causes cholera, and certain strains of Escherichia coli produce toxins that result in severe diarrhea. Therefore, choosing option D is correct because all the mentioned bacteria can cause severe diarrhea. Options A, B, and C are incorrect individually because each bacterium listed can produce a toxin resulting in severe diarrhea.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: To calculate the total magnification, we multiply the magnification of the ocular lens by the magnification of the objective lens. In this case, 10 (ocular) x 40 (objective) = 400. This is why choice C (400) is correct. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the correct calculation of total magnification based on the given magnification powers of the ocular and objective lenses.