Question 1

Which type of flagellar arrangement is characterized by a single flagellum at one end of the bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Monotrichous

Question 2

What is the main reason why bacteria are difficult to see in a wet mount preparation?

Accepted Answer

They are transparent with a refractive index similar to water

Question 3

In the motility medium (MTM) with TTC, what does the appearance of a red color indicate?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial growth and reduction of TTC to formazan

Question 4

A student observes a tube of MTM with TTC that shows a red color only along the stab line. What does this result indicate?

Accepted Answer

The organism is nonmotile

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on the experiment?

Accepted Answer

Motile with true motility

Question 6

Why is Bacillus cereus not inoculated into the MTM deep for motility testing?

Accepted Answer

It only grows on the surface due to its aerobic nature

Question 7

Which of the following statements about Brownian motion is correct?

Accepted Answer

It results from random collisions with water molecules

Question 8

A student prepares a wet mount and observes bacteria moving in a straight line across the field of view. What type of movement is this most likely to represent?

Accepted Answer

True motility

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why TTC is used in motility medium?

Accepted Answer

It is reduced by growing bacteria to form a visible red pigment

Question 10

Given the following scenario: A tube of MTM with TTC is inoculated and incubated. After 24 hours, the medium is red throughout, not just along the stab line. What does this indicate about the organism?

Accepted Answer

The organism is motile

Question 11

Which of the following equations best represents the reduction of TTC to formazan in the motility test?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{TTC} + 2e^- + 2H^+ \rightarrow \mathrm{Formazan}$$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the appearance of an uninoculated motility medium tube?

Accepted Answer

Clear with no red color

Question 13

A student accidentally uses too much broth when preparing a wet mount. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The slide will be too thick, making it difficult to focus

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a correct flagellar arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Polytichous

Question 15

Why is it important to adjust the microscope’s diaphragm when viewing unstained bacteria in a wet mount?

Accepted Answer

To increase the contrast and make bacteria more visible

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the result for Staphylococcus aureus in the motility test?

Accepted Answer

Nonmotile, red color only along the stab line

Question 17

If a bacterium is peritrichous, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It has flagella distributed all around its surface

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why only a needle is used to inoculate the motility medium?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a straight stab line for accurate motility observation

Question 19

A student observes a motility medium tube with red color radiating away from the stab line. Which organism is this result most consistent with?

Accepted Answer

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Question 20

Which of the following is the best way to dispose of used wet mount slides in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Place them in the stainless steel containers on the lab tables

Determining Bacterial Motility: Methods and Interpretation

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