Nokea
The key function of bacterial capsules is:
- A. facilitating motility
- B. resisting phagocytosis
- C. synthesizing DNA
- D. producing energy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: resisting phagocytosis. Bacterial capsules are composed of polysaccharides that help bacteria evade phagocytosis by immune cells. This physical barrier prevents immune cells from engulfing and destroying the bacteria. Facilitating motility (A), synthesizing DNA (C), and producing energy (D) are not primary functions of bacterial capsules. Motility is usually facilitated by flagella, DNA synthesis occurs in the bacterial chromosome, and energy production is typically carried out by metabolic processes within the bacterial cell.
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A 40-year-old patient presents with abdominal pain, frequent loose stools with mucus and blood. Stool analysis revealed vegetative forms of some protozoa sized 30-40 microns, with short pseudopodia, containing large amounts of phagocytosed erythrocytes. What protozoan disease does the patient have?
- A. Amebiasis
- B. Leishmaniasis
- C. Trichomoniasis
- D. Giardiasis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Amebiasis. The patient's symptoms of abdominal pain, loose stools with mucus and blood, along with the presence of protozoa containing phagocytosed erythrocytes in stool analysis are indicative of Entamoeba histolytica infection. The size (30-40 microns) and pseudopodia characteristics match E. histolytica. Amebiasis commonly presents with dysentery, while Leishmaniasis (B) typically causes skin ulcers. Trichomoniasis (C) is a sexually transmitted infection, not associated with the described symptoms. Giardiasis (D) is characterized by foul-smelling diarrhea and steatorrhea, not bloody diarrhea as seen in this case.
Antigenic variation is used by bacteria to:
- A. evade host immune responses
- B. increase antibiotic susceptibility
- C. increase peptidoglycan synthesis
- D. enhance motility
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: evade host immune responses. Antigenic variation allows bacteria to change their surface antigens, making it difficult for the host immune system to recognize and attack them effectively. This enhances the bacteria's ability to evade immune responses and establish infection.
B: Increase antibiotic susceptibility is incorrect because antigenic variation does not directly impact the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics.
C: Increase peptidoglycan synthesis is incorrect because antigenic variation is not related to the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is a major component of the bacterial cell wall.
D: Enhance motility is incorrect because antigenic variation does not directly affect the motility of bacteria.
In summary, antigenic variation in bacteria primarily serves to help them evade host immune responses, making option A the correct answer.
Which of the following is a general-purpose medium?
- A. Tryptic soy agar
- B. Blood agar
- C. Mannitol salt agar
- D. MacConkey agar
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tryptic soy agar is a general-purpose medium suitable for cultivating a wide range of microorganisms. It provides essential nutrients for growth without inhibiting specific types of bacteria. Blood agar (B), Mannitol salt agar (C), and MacConkey agar (D) are selective or differential media designed to promote the growth of specific types of bacteria or differentiate between different bacterial species. Therefore, they are not considered general-purpose mediums.
Which bacteria are known for producing toxins that can lead to foodborne illnesses?
- A. Clostridium botulinum
- B. Salmonella enterica
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria (Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella enterica, Escherich:ia coli) are known to produce toxins causing foodborne illnesses. Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin, causing botulism. Salmonella enterica produces toxins leading to salmonellosis. Escherichia coli can produce toxins like Shiga toxin causing food poisoning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacterium is individually known to produce toxins causing foodborne illnesses, thus the correct answer is D.
Which bacteria is responsible for causing tuberculosis?
- A. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- C. Salmonella enterica
- D. Neisseria meningitidis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis. It is a slow-growing, acid-fast bacillus that primarily affects the lungs. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets. Choice B, Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a common cause of pneumonia but not tuberculosis. Choice C, Salmonella enterica, causes food poisoning. Choice D, Neisseria meningitidis, causes meningitis, not tuberculosis. Therefore, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the correct answer based on its characteristics and mode of transmission.