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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis. It is a slow-growing, acid-fast bacillus that primarily affects the lungs. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets. Choice B, Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a common cause of pneumonia but not tuberculosis. Choice C, Salmonella enterica, causes food poisoning. Choice D, Neisseria meningitidis, causes meningitis, not tuberculosis. Therefore, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the correct answer based on its characteristics and mode of transmission.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fimbriae. Fimbriae are hair-like appendages found on the surface of bacteria that enable attachment to host cells. This attachment is crucial for establishing infection. Flagella (A) are used for movement, not attachment. Capsules (C) provide protection and help evade the host immune system, but do not directly facilitate attachment. Endospores (D) are dormant structures for survival, not for attachment to host cells. Fimbriae specifically aid in adherence to host cells, making them the correct choice in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, All of the above. Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin causing botulism, Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea, and certain strains of Escherichia coli produce toxins causing gastrointestinal illness. Each bacterium has specific exotoxins that can result in severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, all three choices are correct in producing exotoxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.