Nokea
In a bacteriological laboratory some bacterial smears had to be stained by Gram's method. For this purpose the following reagents were prepared: gentian violet, Lugol's solution, aqueous fuchsin solution. What other reagent is required?
- A. 96% ethanol
- B. 5% sulfuric acid
- C. Methylene blue solution
- D. Carbolic fuchsin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 96% ethanol. In Gram's staining method, after applying gentian violet, Lugol's solution, and aqueous fuchsin, the next step is to use a decolorizing agent like 96% ethanol to wash away the excess stain from the Gram-negative bacteria. This step is crucial as it helps differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on their cell wall properties. The other choices are incorrect because sulfuric acid is not used in Gram's staining method, methylene blue is typically used in other staining techniques like the simple stain, and carbolic fuchsin is not a standard reagent in the Gram's staining process.
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The process in which bacteria take up foreign DNA from the environment is called:
- A. Transformation
- B. Transduction
- C. Conjugation
- D. Binary fission
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transformation. During transformation, bacteria take up foreign DNA from the environment and incorporate it into their own genetic material. This process allows for genetic diversity and adaptation. Transduction (B) involves transfer of DNA via a virus, conjugation (C) involves direct transfer of DNA between bacterial cells, and binary fission (D) is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria. Transformation is the only process specifically related to bacteria taking up foreign DNA.
Botulism agent causes severe food toxicoinfection. Point out the most characteristic morphologic feature of botulism agent.
- A. Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli with subterminal spore
- B. Thick gram-positive non-sporeforming bacilli
- C. Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli with terminal spore
- D. Thin mobile spore-forming bacilli with central spore
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thick gram-positive non-sporeforming bacilli. In botulism, the causative agent, Clostridium botulinum, is a thick gram-positive bacilli that does not form spores. This is a key characteristic morphologic feature.
A: Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli with subterminal spore - This is incorrect as Clostridium botulinum does not have subterminal spores.
C: Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli with terminal spore - Incorrect because Clostridium botulinum does not form spores.
D: Thin mobile spore-forming bacilli with central spore - Incorrect because Clostridium botulinum is not thin, mobile, or spore-forming.
In summary, the most characteristic morphologic feature of the botulism agent is being thick, gram-positive, and non-sporeforming, making choice B the correct answer.
What structure allows bacteria to exchange genetic material?
- A. Pili
- B. Flagella
- C. Endospores
- D. Capsules
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pili. Pili are hair-like appendages on the surface of bacteria that facilitate the exchange of genetic material through a process called conjugation. During conjugation, bacteria can transfer plasmids and other genetic material to neighboring bacteria through pili. This allows for the exchange of beneficial traits like antibiotic resistance.
Choice B, Flagella, are involved in bacterial movement and not in genetic material exchange. Choice C, Endospores, are protective structures formed by bacteria in response to harsh conditions, but they are not involved in genetic material exchange. Choice D, Capsules, are protective layers around bacteria that help in adherence to surfaces and evasion of the immune system, but they do not play a role in genetic material exchange.
Which bacteria are capable of producing exotoxins?
- A. Clostridium tetani
- B. Staphylococcus aureus
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Clostridium tetani, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli are all capable of producing exotoxins. Exotoxins are proteins released by bacteria that can cause damage to the host. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin, causing tetanus. Staphylococcus aureus produces toxins like enterotoxin and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. Escherichia coli can produce Shiga toxin and heat-labile toxin. Therefore, all three bacteria listed can produce exotoxins, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not encompass all the bacteria capable of producing exotoxins.
A patient with skin mycosis has disorder of cellular immunity. The most typical characteristic of it is reduction of the following index:
- A. T-lymphocytes
- B. Immunoglobulin G
- C. Immunoglobulin E
- D. B-lymphocytes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: T-lymphocytes. In skin mycosis, a disorder of cellular immunity indicates a deficiency in T-lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity. T-lymphocytes are responsible for recognizing and destroying infected cells. Reduction in T-lymphocytes impairs the body's ability to fight fungal infections.
Incorrect choices:
B: Immunoglobulin G - Immunoglobulin G is involved in humoral immunity, not cellular immunity.
C: Immunoglobulin E - Immunoglobulin E is typically associated with allergic responses, not cellular immunity.
D: B-lymphocytes - B-lymphocytes are responsible for producing antibodies in humoral immunity, not directly involved in cell-mediated immunity.