Which of the following transport mechanisms transports water across the plasma membrane?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Osmosis is the correct answer because it is the process by which water molecules move across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. This movement occurs passively, driven by the concentration gradient. Facilitated diffusion (B) involves the transport of specific molecules with the help of carrier proteins, not water. Phagocytosis (C) is a process where cells engulf solid particles, not water molecules. Exocytosis (D) is the process of releasing substances from a cell by fusion of vesicles with the cell membrane, not the transport of water across the membrane.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Kinyoun stain. This stain is the most widely used differential stain in hematology labs because it is specifically designed for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It differentiates these bacteria from others based on their cell wall composition. Carbolfuchsin stain (A) is used for acid-fast bacteria in microbiology. Wright's stain (B) is used for blood cell morphology. Ziehl-Neelsen stain (C) is also used for acid-fast bacteria but is less commonly used compared to Kinyoun stain in hematology labs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: amensalism. Penicillin mold produces a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria, but it does not benefit nor harm the bacteria directly. This relationship is characterized by one organism (the mold) negatively affecting another (the bacteria) without any benefit or harm to itself. In parasitism (A), one organism benefits at the expense of another. In mutualism (B), both organisms benefit from the relationship. In commensalism (C), one organism benefits while the other is unaffected. Therefore, the mold producing penicillin fits the definition of amensalism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is commonly known as "flesh-eating bacteria" due to its ability to cause severe tissue destruction and necrotizing fasciitis. Streptococcus pyogenes produces toxins that break down skin and muscle tissues. Staphylococcus aureus (A) can cause skin infections but is not typically associated with necrotizing fasciitis. Staphylococcus epidermidis (B) is a normal skin flora and rarely causes infections. Propionibacterium acnes (D) is associated with acne and not known for causing tissue destruction. Therefore, the correct choice is Streptococcus pyogenes due to its unique ability to cause severe tissue damage and necrotizing fasciitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Aspergillus flavus is a fungus known to produce aflatoxin. 2. Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen found in contaminated food. 3. Candida albicans is a yeast species not associated with aflatoxin production. 4. Claviceps purpurea is a fungus that produces ergot alkaloids, not aflatoxin. 5. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium known for causing food poisoning, not aflatoxin production. Summary: Aspergillus flavus is the correct answer as it is the organism known to produce aflatoxin, a carcinogenic substance. Other choices are incorrect as they are not associated with aflatoxin production.