Essentials of Microbiology: Identification, Characteristics, and Functions Quiz

Microbiology focuses on the study of small living organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It does not pertain to weather patterns, astronomy, or history.

Pathogenic microorganisms are those that can cause infections and diseases in humans. They can produce toxins, spread easily, live in various environments, and can be transmitted through contaminated objects or surfaces.

Non-pathogenic microorganisms do not cause disease in their hosts and can even provide benefits such as aiding in digestion or outcompeting harmful pathogens.

Saprophytes are non-pathogenic organisms that live on dead matter, unlike pathogens that cause disease. They play a crucial role in the decomposition process.

Cocci are spherical bacteria that can appear in groups or singularly, as opposed to rod-shaped, spiral, or irregular-shaped bacteria.

Staphylococci are bacteria that form characteristic bunches and are commonly found in boils and pus-forming infections. Chains are more often associated with streptococci, pairs with gonococcal infections, and clusters with pseudomonas infections.

Streptococci are known for forming long chains and are associated with causing strep throat and pus formation. The incorrect answers provide characteristics of other bacteria that are not specifically related to Streptococci.

Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria, making them the most common form of bacterial cells. Spherical bacteria are known as cocci, while Spiral bacteria have a spiral shape.

The correct answer is 'Spiral' because bacteria that are spiral in shape, also known as spirilla, can cause syphilis (Treponema pallidum), lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), and cholera (Vibrio cholerae).

The active stage of bacteria is characterized by rapid growth and reproduction in dark, damp, dirty places with food, where they divide into new cells through mitosis. The incorrect answers are notably opposite to the characteristics of the active stage of bacteria.

The correct answer explains that the inactive stage of bacteria is when no growth occurs due to unfavorable conditions, with spores being resistant to disinfectants, cold, or heat until conditions become favorable for them to become active.

Bacteria are able to move through air or water due to their small size and some bacteria use flagella or cilia for propulsion. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately depict how bacteria actually travel from one place to another.

Viruses are sub-microscopic particles that are much smaller than bacteria. They can only replicate within the cells of living hosts, causing diseases like common cold, measles, HBV, and HIV.

Human Hepatitis B (HBV) is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects the liver. It is preventable through vaccination, and individuals in certain high-risk professions, such as personal service workers, are often inoculated to prevent the spread of the disease.

AIDS is caused by the HIV virus that interferes with the body's natural immune system and spreads through body fluids entering the bloodstream of an uninfected individual.

External parasites are organisms that live on or obtain nutrients from another organism called a host, such as fleas, ticks, and lice.

Parasitic plants or fungi such as molds and yeasts are examples that can cause contagious diseases in humans. Grass, trees, birds, and fish are not categorically considered parasitic plants or fungi. Bacteria and viruses are different types of microorganisms that may cause diseases but are not classified as parasitic plants or fungi.

Parasitic animals are organisms that live in or on another organism (host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. Tapeworms, fleas, and mosquitoes are also examples of parasitic animals.

Contagious infections are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can be passed from one person to another through various means. The most common modes of transmission include direct contact, droplet transmission (sneezing or coughing), and airborne transmission.

Bloodborne pathogens are specifically bacteria or viruses that are carried through blood or bodily fluids, not through air, soil, or insects.

The incorrect choices provided do not contribute to the spread of infection in a skin care center, unlike the correct answer choices that highlight specific high-risk behaviors.

Infectious diseases are commonly spread through blood-to-blood or bodily fluid transmission, such as through direct contact with infected blood or sharing needles. Airborne transmission refers to diseases spread through tiny particles in the air, physical contact with infected surfaces can transmit some diseases, and genetic inheritance is not a typical mode of transmission for infectious diseases.

Contagious/communicable diseases are those that can be spread from one person to another through various means of contact. This includes casual contact, contaminated food or water, blood transfusions, and other modes of transmission.

Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can be transmitted through the air.

A local infection is a specific area of the body that is infected, usually characterized by a visible or palpable manifestation such as a boil, pimple, or inflamed area. It is not a systemic infection that affects multiple organs, nor is it exclusive to a certain age group or caused specifically by a virus.

General infection refers to an infection that affects all parts of the body, entering the bloodstream and circulating bacteria and toxins throughout. It is not limited to a specific body part or organ, nor is it caused by dietary habits like excessive sugar consumption. The circulatory system plays a crucial role in spreading pathogens during general infection.

An asymptomatic carrier is someone who carries disease-causing bacteria or viruses without showing any symptoms themselves, making it possible for them to unknowingly spread the illness to others.

Immunity refers to the body's defense mechanism against infectious agents, not the production of red blood cells, regulation of temperature, or digestion of food.

Diplococci are bacteria that are arranged in pairs and they are known to cause pneumonia. Chains of bacteria typically cause plague, clusters are associated with tuberculosis, and clusters are also linked to meningitis.