Question 1

Which of the following best explains why viruses are classified as nonliving microbes?

Accepted Answer

They cannot reproduce independently and require a host cell for replication.

Question 2

During the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage, what is the correct order of the steps shown in the first image?

Accepted Answer

Attachment, Penetration, Replication, Assembly, Release

Question 3

Which step is unique to the lysogenic cycle and not found in the lytic cycle of bacteriophage replication?

Accepted Answer

Integration of phage DNA into the host genome

Question 4

A virus with a lipid envelope enters an animal cell by which mechanism, and why can't a naked virus use this method?

Accepted Answer

Membrane fusion; naked viruses lack a lipid envelope

Question 5

What is the primary function of the viral capsid?

Accepted Answer

To protect the viral genome and aid in attachment to host cells

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the term 'host range'?

Accepted Answer

The collection of species that a virus can infect

Question 7

A patient develops a persistent viral infection that remains dormant for years before reactivating. What is this type of infection called?

Accepted Answer

Latent infection

Question 8

Which of the following is a medically important consequence of phage conversion?

Accepted Answer

It can result in bacteria acquiring new virulence factors, such as toxin genes.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of adhesins in bacterial pathogenesis?

Accepted Answer

They allow bacteria to attach to host cell surfaces.

Question 10

Refer to the third image (disease progression graph). What does the yellow-shaded region most likely represent?

Accepted Answer

Acute phase

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a cardinal sign of inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Fever

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the lysosome in phagocytosis?

Accepted Answer

It fuses with the phagosome and provides hydrolytic enzymes to degrade the engulfed material.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the complement system activated by the classical pathway?

Accepted Answer

Opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis

Question 14

A patient receives antibodies from a medical treatment after exposure to a toxin. What type of immunity is this?

Accepted Answer

Artificially acquired passive immunity

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why booster doses are necessary for inactivated vaccines?

Accepted Answer

The immune response to inactivated vaccines is weaker and requires reinforcement.

Question 16

Which of the following is a key difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive immunity tailors its response to specific antigens and has memory.

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of T helper (TH) cells in the adaptive immune response?

Accepted Answer

Activating B cells and cytotoxic T cells

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which cytotoxic T cells kill infected cells?

Accepted Answer

They release perforin to form pores and granzymes to induce apoptosis.

Question 19

Which of the following is a major benefit of herd immunity in a population?

Accepted Answer

It protects individuals who cannot be immunized.

Question 20

Which of the following is a reason why normal microbiota can become opportunistic pathogens?

Accepted Answer

They can cause disease when the host's immune defenses are compromised or when they enter sterile sites.

Microbiology Study Guide: Viruses, Infectious Disease, Immunity, and Pathogenesis

Study Guide - Practice Questions