Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: viruses. Viruses are always in a parasitic form of interaction with the individual because they cannot survive or reproduce outside of a host cell. They rely on host cells to replicate and cause harm. Non-pathogenic bacteria (choice B) do not always cause harm and can coexist with the individual. Facultative pathogenic bacteria (choice C) can switch between being beneficial and harmful. Therefore, the correct answer is A as viruses always rely on a host for survival and reproduction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Replication. In DNA replication, the original DNA molecule is unwound and each strand serves as a template to synthesize a new complementary strand. This results in two identical copies of the original DNA molecule. Translation (A) is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. Transcription (B) is the process of synthesizing mRNA from DNA. Cell division (D) is the process of a cell dividing into two daughter cells, not specifically producing identical DNA copies. Therefore, replication is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the process of copying DNA to produce two identical copies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct staining technique for sputum smears obtained from a tuberculosis patient is Ziehl-Neelsen staining. This technique uses carbol fuchsin dye to stain the acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, red. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. Ziehl-Neelsen staining is specifically designed to detect acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 2. Carbol fuchsin dye is used to penetrate the mycolic acid layer in the cell wall of the bacteria, making them resistant to decolorization. 3. Acid-alcohol is used as a decolorizer to remove the stain from non-acid-fast bacteria. 4. Methylene blue is used as a counterstain to visualize non-acid-fast bacteria in blue. Therefore, Ziehl-Neelsen staining is the most appropriate technique for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum smears. Other choices like Gram, Giemsa, and

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: to sequester iron from the environment. Siderophores are molecules produced by bacteria to chelate and acquire iron, an essential nutrient for their growth and survival. By sequestering iron, bacteria can compete with host cells and other microbes for this vital resource. This enhances their ability to thrive and establish infections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because siderophores do not directly enhance antibiotic resistance, form capsules, or perform oxidative phosphorylation. These functions are unrelated to the primary role of siderophores in iron acquisition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Intracellular parasitism. Genus Rickettsia representatives are known for their ability to live and replicate inside the host's cells, making them obligate intracellular parasites. This characteristic distinguishes them from other bacteria. A: Gram-positive cell wall is incorrect because Rickettsia have a gram-negative cell wall. B: High resistance to external environment factors is incorrect because Rickettsia are sensitive to environmental conditions and require specific host cells for survival. D: None of the above is incorrect because Rickettsia do exhibit the characteristic of intracellular parasitism.