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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (7.2-7.4) because most pathogenic bacteria and viruses thrive in a neutral pH environment close to 7.0. This pH range is optimal for their growth and survival. Choice A (5.0-5.5) is too acidic for most pathogens. Choice B (8.0-9.6) is too alkaline, which is not conducive for their survival. Choice D (4.2-4.4) is also too acidic and would likely inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Thus, a pH range of 7.2-7.4 provides the most suitable conditions for their proliferation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. Gas gangrene is caused by Clostridium perfringens, a Gram-positive rod bacterium that produces spores. This bacterium is anaerobic and commonly found in soil, where it forms spores that can survive harsh conditions. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not gas gangrene. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not gas gangrene. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, not gas gangrene. Therefore, based on the characteristics of the microorganism described in the question, Clostridium perfringens is the correct identification.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in immune reactions, a large lattice is formed when antigens and antibodies are in optimal proportion. This optimal ratio allows for the formation of a strong antigen-antibody complex, leading to the aggregation of immune complexes into large lattice structures. When antibodies are in excess (choice A), there may not be enough antigens to form a stable lattice. Similarly, when antigens are in excess (choice C), there may be insufficient antibodies to form a strong lattice. Choice D is incorrect because the optimal proportion of antigens and antibodies is crucial for the formation of large lattices in immune reactions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Humoral immunity. Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies by B cells that can bind to antigens on viruses, leading to their agglutination. This process prevents the spread of the virus in the body. Passive immunity (A) involves receiving pre-formed antibodies, not the production of antibodies. Cell-mediated immunity (C) involves the activation of T cells, not the direct agglutination of viruses. Non-specific immunity (D) refers to general defense mechanisms like inflammation and fever, not targeted agglutination of viruses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: microaerophiles. These bacteria require oxygen to grow, but only at low concentrations as higher levels can be toxic. They possess enzymes to deal with reactive oxygen species. Obligate aerobes (A) require oxygen for growth, obligate anaerobes (C) cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, and aerotolerant anaerobes (D) can tolerate oxygen but do not use it for growth.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Relenza and Tamiflu. Both Relenza and Tamiflu are anti-influenza drugs that target the neuraminidase enzyme of the influenza virus, thereby inhibiting its replication and spread. Maxi Grip (A) is not an anti-influenza drug, Theraflu (B) contains different active ingredients, and Amantadine and Rimantadine (C) target a different viral protein, M2 ion channel. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not specifically target neuraminidase for influenza treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anthrax. Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can form spores that are highly resistant and can survive in the soil for long periods. These spores can remain dormant until they come into contact with a susceptible host, leading to infection. Diphtheria, viral hepatitis, and pertussis are caused by different types of pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that do not have the same ability to persist in soil as anthrax spores. Therefore, the causative agents of these diseases are less likely to exist in the soil for extended periods compared to anthrax spores.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. When these bacteria undergo cell lysis, the endotoxins are released, causing harmful effects. This process does not occur during bacterial replication (choice A), antibody production (choice C), or formation of spores (choice D). Bacterial replication involves the creation of new bacterial cells, not the release of endotoxins. Antibody production is the immune response to pathogens, not the direct cause of endotoxin release. Spores are dormant structures formed by some bacteria, which are not directly related to the release of endotoxins.