Which of the following media is the most selective for Vibrio cholerae?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: TCBS. Thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar is the most selective for Vibrio cholerae due to its high salt content, bile salts, and sucrose. Vibrio cholerae can grow well in alkaline conditions, which are provided by TCBS agar. MacConkey's agar (A) is selective for gram-negative bacteria, but not specifically for Vibrio cholerae. Chocolate agar (B) is a non-selective medium suitable for fastidious organisms. SS agar (C) is selective for Salmonella and Shigella species, not Vibrio cholerae.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adhesion. Pili are bacterial appendages that help bacteria adhere to surfaces. This is important for colonization and biofilm formation. Choice A (Chemotaxis) is incorrect because chemotaxis is the movement of bacteria in response to chemical stimuli, not the function of pili. Choice C (Nutrient acquisition) is incorrect because pili are not directly involved in obtaining nutrients. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as pili do serve a specific purpose, which is adhesion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pertussis toxoid. This is because pertussis toxoid is a component of the pertussis vaccine, which provides specific prophylaxis against pertussis by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacteria causing the disease. Choice B, killed vaccine, is incorrect as it does not specify pertussis toxoid. Choice C, wide-spectrum antibiotics, is incorrect as antibiotics are used for treatment, not prophylaxis. Choice D, None of the above, is incorrect as pertussis toxoid is specifically used for prophylaxis of pertussis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Klebsiella species have a real capsule, which is a distinguishing feature used for their identification. This capsule helps them evade the host immune response. Additionally, Klebsiella species are non-motile, meaning they do not possess flagella for movement. Choices B and C are incorrect because Klebsiella species are facultative anaerobes and do not form spores under any conditions. Choice D is also incorrect as option A is the correct statement for genus Klebsiella.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Chitin is a structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi, making option A, fungi, the correct answer. Fungi use chitin to provide rigidity and support to their cell walls, similar to how plants use cellulose. This unique feature distinguishes fungi from other microorganisms. Options B and D, bacteria and viruses, respectively, do not contain chitin in their cell walls. Bacterial cell walls are primarily composed of peptidoglycan, while viruses lack a cell wall altogether as they are not considered complete cells but rather genetic material encased in a protein coat. Educationally, understanding the composition of cell walls in different microorganisms is crucial in microbiology. It helps in identifying and classifying microorganisms, understanding their unique characteristics, and even developing targeted treatments. Knowing the specific components of cell walls assists in differentiating between various types of microorganisms and their functions in the environment.