microbiology chapter 12 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 12 test bank related questions and content

The antibiotics penicillin and cephalosporin are produced by:

  • A. algae
  • B. slime molds
  • C. fungi
  • D. protozoans
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: fungi. Both penicillin and cephalosporin are produced by certain species of fungi. Penicillin is derived from the Penicillium fungi, while cephalosporin is produced by Cephalosporium fungi. Fungi have the ability to synthesize these antibiotics as part of their defense mechanisms against other microorganisms. Algae (A), slime molds (B), and protozoans (D) do not have the capability to produce antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporin. Algae are mainly photosynthetic organisms, slime molds are protists that lack the ability to synthesize complex antibiotics, and protozoans are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that do not produce antibiotics like fungi do.