Which scientist is most responsible for ending the controversy about spontaneous generation?
- A. John Needham
- B. Joseph Lister
- C. Louis Pasteur
- D. Robert Koch
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Louis Pasteur. He conducted experiments that definitively disproved the theory of spontaneous generation through his famous swan-neck flask experiment. By showing that microorganisms only appeared in the broth when exposed to air, Pasteur demonstrated that they did not arise spontaneously. John Needham's experiments were inconclusive, Joseph Lister is known for his contributions to antiseptic surgery, and Robert Koch is credited with developing Koch's postulates for identifying the causative agents of diseases, but neither of them directly contributed to ending the controversy about spontaneous generation.
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Which of the following bacteria produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock?
- A. Staphylococcus aureus
- B. Escherichia coli
- C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) can produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock. Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, can also produce endotoxins called superantigens that can trigger a massive immune response leading to septic shock. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct. Choices A, B, and C alone are incorrect because they do not account for the fact that all three bacteria listed produce endotoxins that can cause septic shock.
What is a viral capsid?
- A. protein envelope around the nucleic acid
- B. protein-coated nucleic acid
- C. the outer membrane of all viruses
- D. lipoprotein membrane
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a viral capsid is a protein coat that surrounds and protects the viral nucleic acid (DNA or RNA). It helps in the attachment of the virus to host cells and protects the genetic material during transmission. Choice A is incorrect because a viral capsid is composed of proteins, not an envelope. Choice C is incorrect because not all viruses have an outer membrane. Choice D is incorrect because a viral capsid is primarily made up of proteins, not lipids.
Which of these viruses is a laboratory product?
- A. Monkeypox
- B. Variola
- C. Vaccinia
- D. Cowpox
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Vaccinia is a laboratory product used in smallpox vaccination.
2. Variola is the virus that causes smallpox, not a laboratory product.
3. Monkeypox is a naturally occurring virus, not a laboratory product.
4. Cowpox can be found in nature and is used in vaccine production, but it is not a laboratory product like Vaccinia.
A smear of a patient's sputum suspected for tuberculosis was prepared and stained. The smear showed red bacilli against a blue background. What staining method was used?
- A. Ziehl-Neelsen
- B. Gram
- C. Giemsa
- D. Neisser
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. This method is used to detect acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Step-by-step rationale: 1. Acid-fast bacteria resist decolorization with acid-alcohol. 2. The red bacilli seen in the smear indicate acid-fast bacteria. 3. Ziehl-Neelsen stain uses carbol fuchsin to stain acid-fast bacteria red. 4. The blue background is likely the counterstain methylene blue. Incorrect choices: B: Gram stain is for categorizing bacteria into Gram-positive or Gram-negative, not specific for acid-fast bacteria. C: Giemsa stain is used for blood films and detecting parasites, not acid-fast bacteria. D: Neisser stain is not a standard microbiological staining method.
The papillary layer of the skin is part of the:
- A. epidermis
- B. dermis
- C. hypodermis
- D. subcutaneous layer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: dermis. The papillary layer is located in the dermis, specifically at the junction with the epidermis. It contains capillaries, lymphatics, and sensory receptors, contributing to the skin's strength and elasticity. The epidermis (choice A) is the outermost layer of the skin, while the hypodermis (choice C) and subcutaneous layer (choice D) are deeper layers beneath the dermis, primarily composed of fat cells and connective tissue. Therefore, the papillary layer is part of the dermis, making choice B the correct answer.