Nokea
A child is presumably ill with diphtheria. A specimen of affected mucous membrane of his pharynx was taken for analysis. The smear was stained and microscopic examination revealed yellow rods with dark blue thickenings on their ends. What structural element of a germ cell was revealed in the detected microorganisms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Volutin granules. Volutin granules are metachromatic granules that stain dark blue with methylene blue or Leishman stain. In diphtheria-causing bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, these granules are typically seen as yellow rods with dark blue thickenings on their ends when stained. Volutin granules are storage inclusions composed of polymetaphosphate that serve as an energy reserve for the bacteria. The presence of these granules in the detected microorganisms indicates the characteristic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Summary of other choices:
B: Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules that are not typically visible on stained smears.
C: Capsules are outer protective layers that are not visible on stained smears.
D: Spores are reproductive structures formed by certain bacteria, not typically seen in Corynebacterium diphtheriae.