Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of the tracheal cytotoxin produced by Bordetella pertussis during infection?

Accepted Answer

It damages ciliated cells, causing localized signs and symptoms in the respiratory tract.

Question 2

Why is Bordetella pertussis considered an obligate aerobe?

Accepted Answer

It requires a steady source of oxygen within the infection site to survive and grow.

Question 3

Which vaccine is used to prevent diphtheria, and what is its main component?

Accepted Answer

DTaP vaccine; contains diphtheria toxoid.

Question 4

During biofilm maturation, why do antibiotics become less effective?

Accepted Answer

Biofilm dispersion leads to increased resistance due to protective extracellular matrix.

Question 5

Which stage of pertussis is characterized by violent coughing fits and gasping for air?

Accepted Answer

Paroxysmal stage

Question 6

A patient presents with a pseudomembrane in the throat and difficulty breathing. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Question 7

What is the main reason for the recent increase in pertussis cases in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown in herd immunity

Question 8

Which of the following statements about measles is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Measles can trigger long-term immune suppression, making vaccines less effective.

Question 9

What is the function of the Min system in bacterial cell division?

Accepted Answer

It determines the midpoint of the cell, ensuring proper placement of the FtsZ ring.

Question 10

After bacterial DNA replication, one strand of the double helix is methylated and the other is not. What protein binds to the unmethylated DNA to prevent premature re-initiation of replication?

Accepted Answer

SeqA

Question 11

How many hydrogen bonds exist between cytosine and guanine in DNA?

Accepted Answer

$3$

Question 12

Which process describes the acquisition of mitochondria by eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Primary endosymbiosis

Question 13

Which organism is responsible for African sleeping sickness?

Accepted Answer

Trypanosoma brucei

Question 14

Which of the following is a role of fungi in the environment?

Accepted Answer

Secreting enzymes and absorbing food, recycling organic matter

Question 15

What is the best prevention method for German measles (rubella)?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination

Question 16

Which branch is more genetically and ecologically diverse than larger eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya

Question 17

Which protein is crucial for splitting the cell during binary fission in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

FtsZ

Question 18

A child presents with watery diarrhea after drinking from a stream while camping. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Giardia

Question 19

Which of the following statements about dinoflagellates is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Not all dinoflagellates are toxic, but some can cause harmful blooms.

Question 20

Which stage of bacterial DNA replication involves the opening/unwinding of the DNA helix, and which enzyme is responsible?

Accepted Answer

Helicase acts during the opening/unwinding stage.

Microbiology Study Guide: Bacterial and Viral Pathogens, Eukaryotic Microbes, and Cell Division

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards