Which of the following bacteria can form spores that are resistant to extreme conditions?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium known for forming endospores, which are resistant structures that allow the bacteria to survive harsh conditions like heat, radiation, and desiccation. This ability to form spores helps Bacillus subtilis to endure unfavorable environments. Staphylococcus aureus (A), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (C), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (D) do not form spores and lack the same level of resistance to extreme conditions as Bacillus subtilis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium fits the description of Gram-negative diplococci that are oxidase-positive and fermentative. Neisseria meningitidis commonly causes pneumonia and meningitis. Choice B: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is also a Gram-negative diplococci but is not fermentative. Choice C: Moraxella catarrhalis is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Choice D: Haemophilus influenzae is not fermentative and typically appears as pleomorphic rods, not diplococci.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: scanning electron microscope. A scanning electron microscope provides a three-dimensional image of a specimen by scanning a focused electron beam across the surface of the specimen, detecting the electrons that are emitted from the surface, and creating a detailed image. This is achieved through the detection of secondary electrons, backscattered electrons, and X-rays emitted from the specimen surface. A dark-field microscope (choice A) utilizes oblique lighting to enhance contrast and is not specifically designed to provide a 3D image. A transmission electron microscope (choice B) uses a beam of electrons transmitted through a specimen to create a 2D image at high magnification. A bright-field microscope (choice C) is a basic microscope that illuminates a specimen with uniform light and does not provide a 3D image like a scanning electron microscope does.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium tetani are both spore-forming bacteria. 2. Spores allow them to survive harsh conditions like extreme heat or lack of nutrients. 3. Choice C is correct because both A and B (Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium tetani) produce spores. 4. Choice D is incorrect as both bacteria mentioned are known to produce spores, enabling them to survive in extreme conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Facultative anaerobes. Facultative anaerobes can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. In aerobic conditions, they use oxygen for energy production, while in anaerobic conditions, they can switch to fermentation or anaerobic respiration. A: Obligate aerobes require oxygen to survive and cannot survive in anaerobic environments. C: Obligate anaerobes cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and only thrive in anaerobic conditions. D: Microaerophiles require low levels of oxygen to survive and cannot thrive in fully aerobic or anaerobic conditions.