Question 1

Which phase of the bacterial growth curve is characterized by the highest metabolic activity and the most rapid increase in cell number?

Accepted Answer

Log (exponential) phase

Question 2

A new strain of influenza A virus emerges due to the reassortment of HA and NA genes from two different viruses. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic shift

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a chemoheterotroph?

Accepted Answer

Uses organic chemicals for energy and organic compounds for carbon

Question 4

A patient is prescribed acyclovir for a viral infection. Which virus is this medication most likely targeting?

Accepted Answer

Herpes simplex virus

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct standard for autoclave sterilization?

Accepted Answer

$$121^\circC$$, 15 psi, 15$$-20$\,$$min

Question 6

Which oxygen classification describes a microbe that grows only at the bottom of a thioglycollate tube, as shown in the provided image?

Accepted Answer

Obligate anaerobe

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections?

Accepted Answer

Viruses lack cell walls targeted by antibiotics

Question 8

A microbe isolated from deep ocean vents thrives at high pressure and high temperature. Which two terms best describe this organism?

Accepted Answer

Barophile and thermophile

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of mutualism in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Gut bacteria producing vitamins for the host

Question 10

A hospital-acquired infection occurs when a patient's normal microbiota enter a surgical wound. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Endogenous infection

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action for nucleoside analogs such as ribavirin?

Accepted Answer

They block viral replication by mimicking nucleotides and causing premature termination of nucleic acid synthesis.

Question 12

Which of the following is a zoonosis?

Accepted Answer

Rabies virus transmitted from a dog to a human

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a facultative halophile?

Accepted Answer

Can tolerate salt but does not require it

Question 14

A laboratory is testing a new disinfectant. Which of the following items would require a high-level germicide for proper decontamination?

Accepted Answer

Surgical scalpel

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct description of a photoautotroph?

Accepted Answer

Uses light for energy and CO$$_2$$ for carbon

Question 16

A patient with HIV is treated with azidothymidine (AZT). What is the primary target of this drug?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the stationary phase of bacterial growth?

Accepted Answer

Cell division rate equals cell death rate

Question 18

Which of the following is a sterile site in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Blood

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the action of interferons?

Accepted Answer

They signal neighboring cells to induce antiviral defenses

Question 20

A microbe that requires small amounts of oxygen and grows just below the surface of a thioglycollate tube is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Microaerophile

Viruses, Microbial Growth, and Principles of Infectious Disease: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions