Which of the following bacteria is known to cause strep throat?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Streptococcus pyogenes is commonly known as Group A Streptococcus, which is the primary bacteria responsible for causing strep throat. Step 2: Staphylococcus aureus is not typically associated with strep throat but can cause skin infections and other illnesses. Step 3: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection, not strep throat. Step 4: Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and is not related to strep throat.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Adhesion and immune evasion. Bacterial capsules serve as a protective layer that aids in adhesion to surfaces and host cells, allowing bacteria to colonize and evade the immune system. This function is crucial for bacterial survival and pathogenicity. Choices A and D are incorrect because energy production and DNA replication are not primary functions of bacterial capsules. Choice B is incorrect because while bacterial capsules do provide some protection from desiccation, their primary function lies in adhesion and immune evasion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are important in pathogenesis and immune response. This feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria, distinguishing them from Gram-positive bacteria (choice A). Teichoic acids (choice C) are found in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, not Gram-negative. The statement in choice D, absence of a cell wall, is incorrect as all bacteria have a cell wall, although the composition may vary between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. - Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. - Mycobacterium tuberculosis can cause pulmonary tuberculosis, which can present as pneumonia-like symptoms. - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, all three bacteria can cause pneumonia, making option D the correct choice. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they each represent a bacterium that can cause pneumonia, so only selecting one of them would not encompass all common causes of pneumonia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria (Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella enterica, Escherich:ia coli) are known to produce toxins causing foodborne illnesses. Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin, causing botulism. Salmonella enterica produces toxins leading to salmonellosis. Escherichia coli can produce toxins like Shiga toxin causing food poisoning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacterium is individually known to produce toxins causing foodborne illnesses, thus the correct answer is D.