Which bacteria produce toxins that can lead to food poisoning?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium botulinum) can produce toxins leading to food poisoning. Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins causing rapid onset of symptoms. Escherichia coli can produce toxins like Shiga toxin leading to severe foodborne illness. Clostridium botulinum produces neurotoxins causing botulism. Choice A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacteria can produce toxins that are harmful if ingested.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: The nucleocapsid is the structure containing the viral genome and the protein capsid. Step 2: The genome carries the genetic material of the virus. Step 3: The capsid is the protein coat that encloses and protects the viral genome. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is C: Genome and capsid. Summary: A: Capsid and spikes - Incorrect, spikes are not part of the nucleocapsid. B: Genome and envelop - Incorrect, the envelop is not part of the nucleocapsid. D: Capsid and envelope - Incorrect, the envelope is not part of the nucleocapsid.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Sodium is the major cation in the intracellular fluid. 2. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell volume and transmitting nerve impulses. 3. Potassium is the major cation in the extracellular fluid, not intracellular. 4. Bicarbonate and sulfate are anions and not major cations in intracellular fluid. Summary: Choice B (sodium) is correct as it is the major cation in intracellular fluid, essential for various cellular functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as potassium is extracellular, while bicarbonate and sulfate are anions and not predominant cations in intracellular fluid.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The given characteristics match this bacterium: Gram-positive diplococci, catalase-negative, and alpha-hemolytic. S. pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Other choices are incorrect because Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive, Enterococcus faecalis is not alpha-hemolytic, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is not Gram-positive diplococci.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacterium suggests a curved rod morphology, typical of Campylobacter jejuni. Step 2: Motility is a characteristic of Campylobacter species. Step 3: Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of bacterial diarrhea in humans. Step 4: Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, not typically associated with comma-shaped morphology. Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli are not comma-shaped.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Within 24 hours. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis should ideally be initiated as soon as possible after a potentially infectious bite to prevent the virus from spreading and causing symptoms. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent the virus from reaching the central nervous system. Waiting beyond 24 hours increases the risk of the virus reaching the brain and becoming fatal. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because waiting for 6 months, a week, or 2 weeks respectively would significantly delay treatment, allowing the virus to progress and potentially become untreatable.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fimbriae in bacteria are hair-like appendages that help in adhesion to surfaces. This is essential for colonization and infection. Fimbriae do not provide motility (flagella do), facilitate protein synthesis (ribosomes do), or help in endospore formation (specialized structures do). Adhesion is the primary function of fimbriae, allowing bacteria to stick to host cells or abiotic surfaces.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Phylum. After class in the classification system comes phylum. The classification system starts with the broadest category, which is the kingdom, followed by phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Phylum is a higher level of classification than class, so it comes next in the hierarchy. Domain is a higher level than kingdom, and order is a lower level of classification than class. Therefore, the correct sequence is kingdom, phylum, class, order.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because enveloped viruses have a lipid bilayer envelope derived from the host cell membrane, which is a complex structure, not exhibiting any specific symmetry. Choice A (cubic symmetry) is incorrect as enveloped viruses do not have any specific geometric shape. Choice B (spiral symmetry) is incorrect as this type of symmetry is typically seen in non-enveloped viruses like helical viruses. Choice C (complex symmetry) is also incorrect as enveloped viruses do not exhibit a specific symmetrical pattern. Therefore, the correct answer is D because enveloped viruses do not have a defined symmetry and can vary in shape and structure.