Bacterial replication is accomplished primarily by:
- A. mitosis
- B. meiosis
- C. cytokinesis
- D. binary fission
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Binary fission is the correct answer for bacterial replication because it is the process by which bacteria divide into two identical daughter cells. During binary fission, the bacterial cell replicates its DNA, forms a septum dividing the cell into two, and eventually splits into two daughter cells. This process is specific to prokaryotic cells such as bacteria and is different from mitosis and meiosis, which are processes specific to eukaryotic cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, but it is not the primary mechanism of bacterial replication.
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The function of beta-lactamase in bacteria is to:
- A. Break down antibiotics like penicillin
- B. Enhance protein synthesis
- C. Facilitate DNA replication
- D. Transport nutrients
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Break down antibiotics like penicillin. Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by bacteria to inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin by breaking the beta-lactam ring. This mechanism helps bacteria resist the antibiotic's effects. The other choices are incorrect because beta-lactamase does not enhance protein synthesis, facilitate DNA replication, or transport nutrients. It specifically targets and deactivates beta-lactam antibiotics, making choice A the most appropriate answer.
What is the name of the enzyme that allows the bacteria to become resistant to most penicillins?
- A. Beta lactam ring
- B. MRSA
- C. Beta lactamase
- D. Aminoglycoside ring
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beta lactamase. This enzyme is produced by bacteria to break down the beta-lactam ring structure of penicillins, rendering them ineffective. Beta lactam ring (A) is part of the penicillin molecule, not an enzyme. MRSA (B) stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, not an enzyme. Aminoglycoside ring (D) refers to a different class of antibiotics and is not related to penicillin resistance in bacteria.
Peptidoglycan is typically found in the:
- A. cell wall
- B. plasma membrane
- C. nucleus
- D. endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Peptidoglycan is a major component of bacterial cell walls, providing structural support and protection. The correct answer is A because peptidoglycan is typically found in the cell wall of bacteria. The cell wall is crucial for maintaining the shape of the bacterial cell and protecting it from external stresses. The plasma membrane (choice B) is primarily composed of phospholipids and proteins, not peptidoglycan. The nucleus (choice C) is found in eukaryotic cells and contains genetic material, not peptidoglycan. The endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is an organelle involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, but it does not contain peptidoglycan. Therefore, the correct answer is A as peptidoglycan is typically found in the cell wall of bacteria.
Which of the following microorganisms require a moist environment to survive and most often live in ponds, streams, lakes, and oceans?
- A. Mycorrhizae
- B. Armillaria gallica
- C. Blastospores
- D. Blastospores
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Blastospores. Blastospores are a type of fungal spore that requires a moist environment to survive. They are commonly found in water bodies like ponds, streams, lakes, and oceans. Mycorrhizae (A) are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, not solely dependent on a moist environment. Armillaria gallica (B) is a type of fungus that can survive in various environmental conditions, not specifically reliant on a moist environment. Choice C is a duplicate of Blastospores, making it incorrect.
The specific prevention (by vaccination) of the disease gas gangrene (caused by Clostridium perfringens) is based on:
- A. Killed whole cell vaccine
- B. Anatoxin
- C. There is no specific prevention by vaccination
- D. Alive attenuated vaccine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anatoxin. An anatoxin is a toxin that has been rendered harmless while retaining its ability to stimulate an immune response. Gas gangrene is caused by the toxins produced by Clostridium perfringens, not the bacteria itself. Therefore, vaccination with an anatoxin can trigger the immune system to produce antibodies against the toxin, providing immunity against the disease.
A: Killed whole cell vaccine - Gas gangrene is caused by toxins, not the whole bacterium. This type of vaccine may not be effective in preventing the disease.
C: There is no specific prevention by vaccination - This is incorrect, as vaccination with an anatoxin can prevent gas gangrene.
D: Alive attenuated vaccine - Attenuated vaccines contain live, weakened forms of the pathogen. However, for gas gangrene prevention, targeting the specific toxin with an anatoxin vaccine is more appropriate.