Which of the following is a feature of Gram-negative bacteria?
- A. Thick peptidoglycan layer
- B. Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides
- C. Presence of teichoic acids
- D. Absence of a cell wall
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are important in pathogenesis and immune response. This feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria, distinguishing them from Gram-positive bacteria (choice A). Teichoic acids (choice C) are found in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, not Gram-negative. The statement in choice D, absence of a cell wall, is incorrect as all bacteria have a cell wall, although the composition may vary between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
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A 6-year-old child has duodenal ulcer. What antibacterial drug should be co-administered together with metronidazole and De-Nol in order to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection?
- A. Amoxicillin
- B. Tetracycline
- C. Oleandomycin
- D. Biseptol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is commonly used in combination therapy with metronidazole and bismuth compounds like De-Nol to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection in children. Amoxicillin targets the bacterial cell wall synthesis, working synergistically with metronidazole to effectively eradicate the infection. Tetracycline (choice B) is not recommended in children under 8 years old due to potential tooth discoloration. Oleandomycin (choice C) is not commonly used for H. pylori infection. Biseptol (choice D) is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, not typically used for H. pylori eradication.
The Gram stain is used to differentiate bacteria based on:
- A. Cell shape
- B. Cell wall structure
- C. Flagella composition
- D. Nutrient requirements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Gram stain differentiates bacteria based on cell wall structure. It classifies bacteria into Gram-positive (purple) and Gram-negative (pink) based on the presence of peptidoglycan in the cell wall. This method helps in identifying the bacterial species and determining appropriate treatment. Option A (Cell shape) is incorrect because the Gram stain focuses on cell wall composition, not cell shape. Option C (Flagella composition) is incorrect as the Gram stain does not assess flagella. Option D (Nutrient requirements) is incorrect as it does not relate to the purpose of the Gram stain.
Which bacteria produces an enterotoxin that causes diarrhea?
- A. Vibrio cholerae
- B. Clostridium botulinum
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium produces the cholera toxin, an enterotoxin that causes profuse watery diarrhea by disrupting the normal function of the intestines. Vibrio cholerae is specifically known for causing cholera, a severe diarrheal disease. Clostridium botulinum (B) produces botulinum toxin, causing botulism (paralysis, not diarrhea). Escherichia coli (C) can produce enterotoxins, but the question specifies a specific enterotoxin causing diarrhea, which is not a characteristic of all strains of E. coli. Streptococcus pneumoniae (D) is a common cause of respiratory infections but does not produce an enterotoxin causing diarrhea.
A scientist identifies a strand of RNA that can be directly used to code for important viral proteins during viral replication. What have they found?
- A. RNA major
- B. -RNA
- C. (+RNA)
- D. RNA minor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: (+RNA). This indicates that the scientist found a positive-sense RNA strand that can be directly translated by host cell machinery to produce viral proteins. Positive-sense RNA can act as messenger RNA, allowing immediate protein synthesis during viral replication. Choice A (RNA major) and D (RNA minor) are not standard terms used to describe RNA strands in virology. Choice B (-RNA) indicates a negative-sense RNA strand, which requires transcription to form a complementary positive-sense strand before protein synthesis. Thus, the identification of a strand of RNA that directly codes for viral proteins aligns with the characteristics of a positive-sense RNA strand.
By precipitation of tuberculin, a purified protein derivative (PPD) is obtained. It is used in:
- A. Mantoux test
- B. Schick test
- C. Dick test
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mantoux test. The Mantoux test is used to screen for tuberculosis by injecting PPD intradermally. The presence of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction indicates prior exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Schick test (B) is used to test for immunity to diphtheria, while the Dick test (C) is used to test for immunity to scarlet fever. Therefore, the correct use of PPD is in the Mantoux test for tuberculosis screening.