Which of the following is a general-purpose medium?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tryptic soy agar is a general-purpose medium suitable for cultivating a wide range of microorganisms. It provides essential nutrients for growth without inhibiting specific types of bacteria. Blood agar (B), Mannitol salt agar (C), and MacConkey agar (D) are selective or differential media designed to promote the growth of specific types of bacteria or differentiate between different bacterial species. Therefore, they are not considered general-purpose mediums.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: epidermolytic toxin. This toxin specifically targets the epidermis, leading to exfoliation seen in scalded skin syndrome (SSS). Hemolysis (A) refers to the destruction of red blood cells, not relevant to SSS. Enterotoxins (B) cause food poisoning, not SSS. Leucocidins (C) target white blood cells, not pertinent to SSS. Therefore, the epidermolytic toxin (D) is the correct choice for causing SSS.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Transcription. Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to the DNA and produces a complementary RNA strand. This process is essential for gene expression. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: Transposition involves the movement of genetic elements within a genome, not the production of RNA from DNA. B: Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, not the production of RNA from DNA. D: RNA splicing is the process of removing introns and joining exons in pre-mRNA to produce mature mRNA, not the initial production of RNA from DNA.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces a toxin that causes diphtheria by inhibiting protein synthesis, leading to the formation of a pseudomembrane in the throat. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat, and Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the only bacterium among the choices known to cause diphtheria due to its specific toxin production.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice B being correct: 1. The conclusion should be based on evidence or observations. 2. "Doubtful" suggests uncertainty, indicating lack of definitive safety. 3. Choice A is too absolute without considering potential risks. 4. Choice C uses extreme language without proper evidence. 5. Choice D is overly definitive without considering varying levels of contamination. Therefore, choice B is the most reasonable conclusion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur as a complication following a group A streptococcal infection. This is known as a post-streptococcal complication. It typically affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Endocarditis (choice A) is also a complication of streptococcal infections, but it is an infection of the heart valves, not an inflammatory disease like rheumatic fever. Nephritis (choice C) is inflammation of the kidneys and is not directly related to streptococcal infections. Cytomegalovirus (choice D) is a different viral infection and is not associated with streptococcal infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Spleen. The white pulp of the spleen contains lymphocytes that help in immune responses. The red pulp filters blood and removes old or damaged red blood cells. The thymus (A) is responsible for T cell maturation, lymph nodes (B) filter lymph, and lymphoid tissue (D) includes various lymphoid organs but does not specifically refer to the spleen's distinct white and red pulp structure. Thus, the spleen is the only organ among the choices that has both white and red pulp components essential for immune functions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inactivation. In this method, the sputum sample is processed with a solution of caustic soda, which helps to kill any contaminants present and preserve the tuberculosis bacillus for microscopic examination. This step is crucial in ensuring accurate detection of the bacillus. A: Homogenization involves breaking down the sample to make it uniform, but it does not necessarily involve using caustic soda for inactivation. C: Flotation is a method used to separate different components based on their density and is not specific to inactivating tuberculosis bacillus. D: Filtration involves passing a sample through a filter to separate particles based on size and is not related to inactivating the tuberculosis bacillus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The description matches that of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which appears as gram-positive diplococci with slightly pointed opposite ends. Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Neisseria meningitidis do not match the specific characteristics described in the question. Staphylococcus aureus appears in grape-like clusters, while Neisseria species are typically seen as diplococci but lack the pointed shape described. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus.