ATI RN
free microbiology test bank questions pdf Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following bacteria is associated with food poisoning caused by improperly canned foods?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is associated with food poisoning from improperly canned foods due to its ability to produce botulinum toxin, a potent neurotoxin that causes botulism. Improper canning allows spores of Clostridium botulinum to survive and germinate, producing the toxin in anaerobic conditions. The other choices are incorrect because Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Vibrio cholerae are not typically associated with food poisoning from improperly canned foods. Escherichia coli and Salmonella are more commonly linked to contaminated water or undercooked food, while Vibrio cholerae causes cholera primarily through contaminated water sources.
Question 2 of 9
The typical site for replication of DNA viruses is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nucleus. DNA viruses replicate in the host cell's nucleus because they require access to the host cell's DNA replication machinery. The nucleus contains the necessary enzymes and factors for DNA replication to occur accurately. The DNA viruses need to utilize these host cell components to replicate their own genetic material. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Cytoplasm - Cytoplasm lacks the necessary enzymes and machinery for accurate DNA replication. C: Endoplasmic Reticulum - ER is involved in protein synthesis and processing, not DNA replication. D: Golgi Apparatus - Golgi apparatus is responsible for processing and packaging proteins, not DNA replication.
Question 3 of 9
Which bacteria is known for causing a disease characterized by a pseudomembrane in the throat?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium causes diphtheria, a disease characterized by a pseudomembrane in the throat. This pseudomembrane is a result of the bacterial exotoxins causing inflammation and necrosis of the throat tissues. Clostridium tetani (A) causes tetanus, characterized by muscle stiffness, not a pseudomembrane in the throat. Bordetella pertussis (B) causes whooping cough, with symptoms of severe coughing fits but no pseudomembrane. Streptococcus pyogenes (D) causes strep throat, but does not produce a pseudomembrane.
Question 4 of 9
Which type of RNA carries the genetic code for protein synthesis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mRNA. mRNA carries the genetic code from the DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs. It serves as a template for protein synthesis by specifying the order of amino acids. tRNA (choice B) brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. rRNA (choice C) is a structural component of ribosomes. snRNA (choice D) is involved in RNA processing and splicing, not protein synthesis. Therefore, choice A is correct as it directly carries the genetic code for protein synthesis.
Question 5 of 9
A patient complains of frequent bowel movements and stool with blood admixtures ("raspberry jelly" stool). Microscopic examination revealed large mononuclear cells with absorbed red blood cells. What protozoon is this morphological structure typical for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoon is responsible for causing amoebic dysentery, which presents with bloody diarrhea. The "raspberry jelly" appearance of stool is due to the presence of mucosal lining and blood. The large mononuclear cells with absorbed red blood cells are characteristic of the histopathology of Entamoeba histolytica infection. Giardia lamblia (B) causes watery diarrhea, not bloody stools. Campylobacter jejuni (C) is a bacterial pathogen associated with gastroenteritis, but does not typically cause bloody diarrhea. Toxoplasma gondii (D) causes toxoplasmosis, a systemic infection with symptoms such as fever and lymphadenopathy, but not bloody diarrhea.
Question 6 of 9
Which structure is used by bacteria for movement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flagella. Flagella are whip-like appendages used by bacteria for movement. They rotate in a corkscrew motion to propel the bacteria through their environment. Pili (choice A) are hair-like structures used for attachment, not movement. Capsules (choice C) are protective layers around bacteria, not involved in movement. Fimbriae (choice D) are also used for attachment and biofilm formation, not for movement. Therefore, the correct choice is B as flagella are specifically adapted for bacterial motility.
Question 7 of 9
Which is the most prominent immunoglobulin class present in external secretions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: IgA. IgA is the most prominent immunoglobulin class present in external secretions like saliva, tears, and mucus. It plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity by preventing pathogens from entering the body. IgG is mainly found in the blood and tissues, IgM is the first antibody produced in response to an infection, and IgE is involved in allergic reactions. IgA's presence in external secretions helps protect the body from infections at mucosal surfaces, making it the correct choice in this context.
Question 8 of 9
Which are the most suitable materials for isolation of polio viruses?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because polio viruses are primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory secretions. Feces contain the highest concentration of the virus, while nasopharyngeal swabs and cerebrospinal fluid can also contain the virus. Blood, sputum, and urine do not typically contain high levels of polio virus. Choice A is incorrect as bile content is not a common site for polio virus isolation. Choice C is incorrect because only testing feces may not provide a comprehensive picture of the infection.
Question 9 of 9
A patient working at a pig farm complains about paroxysmal abdominal pain, liquid feces with admixtures of mucus and blood, headache, weakness, fever. Examination of large intestine revealed ulcers from 1 mm up to several cm large, feces contained oval unicellular organisms with cilia. What disease should be suspected?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The symptoms described are consistent with Balantidiasis, caused by the parasite Balantidium coli. The presence of ciliated oval organisms in the feces is characteristic of this disease. Ulcers in the large intestine are common in Balantidiasis due to tissue invasion by the parasite. Headache, fever, and abdominal pain are typical symptoms. Other choices can be ruled out: B) Amebiasis presents with similar symptoms but usually involves the liver. C) Toxoplasmosis typically presents with lymphadenopathy and flu-like symptoms. D) Lambliasis usually causes watery diarrhea without blood or mucus. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Balantidiasis.