microbiology chapter 12 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 12 test bank related questions and content

When cultured on solid growth media, bacteria with long O-specific chains form:

  • A. Smooth S colonies
  • B. Rough R colonies
  • C. Mucoid -M colonies
  • D. H colonies
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Smooth S colonies. Bacteria with long O-specific chains are known as smooth strains, and when cultured on solid growth media, they form smooth colonies due to the presence of the O antigen. This gives them a glossy appearance. Rough R colonies (Choice B) lack O antigen and appear rough. Mucoid -M colonies (Choice C) are associated with capsules, not O-specific chains. H colonies (Choice D) are not relevant to the O-specific chains. Smooth S colonies are the characteristic phenotype of bacteria with long O-specific chains when cultured on solid media.