Which of the following best describes a Gram-negative bacterium?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides, which is a key characteristic used in Gram staining. This outer membrane is responsible for the pink/red color seen when stained with Gram stain. Choice A is incorrect because Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer. Choice C is incorrect because Gram-negative bacteria stain pink, not purple. Choice D is incorrect because all bacteria have a cell wall, but Gram-negative bacteria have a different structure compared to Gram-positive bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium causes whooping cough by attaching to the respiratory tract and releasing toxins that lead to severe coughing fits. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not whooping cough. Haemophilus influenzae can cause respiratory infections but not specifically whooping cough. Staphylococcus aureus is known for causing skin infections and not respiratory diseases like whooping cough. Therefore, the presence of Bordetella pertussis and its specific mechanism of causing whooping cough makes it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacteria is responsible for causing tuberculosis because it is the specific pathogen known to infect the lungs and other parts of the body, leading to the disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has unique cell wall components that allow it to evade the immune system and survive in the host. Neisseria meningitidis (B) causes meningitis, not tuberculosis. Salmonella enterica (C) causes food poisoning, not tuberculosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (D) causes pneumonia, not tuberculosis. Therefore, the correct answer is A based on the specific characteristics and pathogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria (Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are known to produce endotoxins, specifically lipopolysaccharides in their cell walls. Endotoxins are released upon bacterial cell death and can trigger an immune response, leading to septic shock. Salmonella and E. coli are common causes of bacterial infections, while Pseudomonas is associated with nosocomial infections. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct in terms of producing endotoxins that can cause septic shock. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect individually because they do not encompass all the bacteria known to produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bioremediation. Bioremediation is the process of using living organisms to clean up environmental pollution, including industrial wastes. This method utilizes microorganisms, plants, or fungi to break down or neutralize pollutants. Biomining (A) is the process of extracting valuable metals from ores using biological organisms. Biosynthesis (B) refers to the production of complex molecules by living organisms. Bioengineering (D) involves the application of engineering principles to biological systems, not specifically related to cleaning up industrial wastes. Therefore, the most appropriate term for the cleanup of industrial wastes by living organisms is bioremediation.