ATI RN
microbiology test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is not a method used by bacteria to acquire genetic material?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Binary fission. Binary fission is a method of bacterial cell division, not a method of acquiring genetic material. Transformation, conjugation, and transduction are mechanisms through which bacteria can acquire genetic material from other sources. Transformation involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment, conjugation is the transfer of genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact, and transduction is the transfer of genetic material via bacteriophages. Therefore, binary fission is the only option that does not involve the acquisition of new genetic material.
Question 2 of 9
Tularemia is also referred to as:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: rabbit fever. Tularemia is commonly known as rabbit fever due to the fact that it is often contracted through handling infected rabbits or other rodents. This zoonotic disease is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Scarlet fever (A) is a streptococcal infection characterized by a rash, not related to tularemia. Strep throat (B) is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria and is not associated with tularemia. Cat scratch fever (C) is caused by Bartonella henselae and typically transmitted through cat scratches or bites, not related to tularemia.
Question 3 of 9
What role do fimbriae play in bacteria?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fimbriae in bacteria are hair-like appendages that help in adhesion to surfaces. This is essential for colonization and infection. Fimbriae do not provide motility (flagella do), facilitate protein synthesis (ribosomes do), or help in endospore formation (specialized structures do). Adhesion is the primary function of fimbriae, allowing bacteria to stick to host cells or abiotic surfaces.
Question 4 of 9
Chlorhexidine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Chlorhexidine belongs to the group of biguanides, making choice A accurate. Step 2: It is commonly used for disinfection of hands, skin, and mucous membranes. Step 3: It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, making it widely applicable. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as chlorhexidine is not classified as an alcohol. Choice C is incorrect as chlorhexidine has various applications. Choice D is incorrect as chlorhexidine is generally safe for use with low toxicity.
Question 5 of 9
A smear of dental plaque revealed unicellular organisms with pseudopodia and ingested white blood cells. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba gingivalis. This organism matches the description provided in the question - unicellular with pseudopodia and ingested white blood cells, commonly found in dental plaque. Entamoeba gingivalis is known to inhabit the oral cavity and is associated with periodontal disease. Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, and Balantidium coli do not match the characteristics mentioned in the question and are not typically found in the oral cavity.
Question 6 of 9
Epstein-Barr virus (HHV4) is associated with any of the following diseases:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis due to primary infection. 2. Certain types of cancer, such as Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, are associated with Epstein-Barr virus through oncogenic mechanisms. 3. Chickenpox and shingles are caused by varicella-zoster virus (HHV3). 4. Roseola infantum is caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6). Summary: Choice A is correct as Epstein-Barr virus is linked to infectious mononucleosis and specific cancers. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are caused by different herpesviruses.
Question 7 of 9
What is the main function of bacterial pili?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The main function of bacterial pili is to facilitate conjugation and adhesion. Pili are hair-like appendages on bacteria that help in cell-to-cell interactions. They play a crucial role in bacterial conjugation by allowing the transfer of genetic material between cells. Additionally, pili help bacteria adhere to surfaces or host cells, aiding in colonization and biofilm formation. Choices A and D are incorrect because protein synthesis and toxin secretion are not the primary functions of pili. Choice C is incorrect as bacterial motility is mainly mediated by flagella, not pili.
Question 8 of 9
All of the following reactions are used for the serological identification of Yersinia pestis, EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Agglutination test type Gruber. This is because the Gruber agglutination test is not typically used for the serological identification of Yersinia pestis. The other options (A, B, C) are commonly used methods for serological identification of Y. pestis: A) Precipitation reaction involves the formation of a visible precipitate when Y. pestis antigen reacts with specific antibodies. B) Indirect hemagglutination test detects antibodies against Y. pestis by measuring the agglutination of red blood cells. C) Immunofluorescence test uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to detect specific antigens of Y. pestis. In summary, the Gruber agglutination test is not a standard method for serological identification of Yersinia pestis, unlike the other options provided.
Question 9 of 9
How soon after a potentially infectious bite should a person be treated for rabies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Within 24 hours. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis should ideally be initiated as soon as possible after a potentially infectious bite to prevent the virus from spreading and causing symptoms. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent the virus from reaching the central nervous system. Waiting beyond 24 hours increases the risk of the virus reaching the brain and becoming fatal. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because waiting for 6 months, a week, or 2 weeks respectively would significantly delay treatment, allowing the virus to progress and potentially become untreatable.