Trivia Questions About Bacteriology
Questions and Answers
- 1.
These diseases are commonly point or continuous source outbreaks
- A.
Typhoid
- B.
Whooping Cough
- C.
Botulism
- D.
Legionnaires Disease
- E.
Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning
Correct Answer(s)
A. Typhoid
C. Botulism
D. Legionnaires Disease
E. Staphylococcus aureus food poisoningExplanation
These diseases are commonly point or continuous source outbreaks because they are caused by specific pathogens that can be traced back to a single source or a continuous source of contamination. Typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water. Botulism is caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can be found in improperly canned or preserved foods. Legionnaires Disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, often found in water systems such as cooling towers or hot tubs. Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning is caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can contaminate food if proper hygiene practices are not followed.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Genomes of bacterial pathogens have about 400 genes
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement "Genomes of bacterial pathogens have about 400 genes" is false. The number of genes in bacterial pathogens' genomes can vary greatly, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand genes. The exact number of genes depends on the specific bacterial species and its genetic complexity. Therefore, it is incorrect to state that bacterial pathogens have about 400 genes.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Clostridium tetani is an obligate aerobe
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Clostridium tetani is actually an obligate anaerobe, not an obligate aerobe. Obligate anaerobes are microorganisms that can only survive and grow in environments without oxygen. Clostridium tetani is the bacterium responsible for causing tetanus, a disease that affects the nervous system. It thrives in environments with low oxygen levels, such as deep wounds or puncture wounds. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Bacterial binary fission follows genome replication and meiosis
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Bacterial binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in which a single bacterium divides into two identical daughter cells. It does not involve genome replication or meiosis, which are processes associated with sexual reproduction. Therefore, the statement that bacterial binary fission follows genome replication and meiosis is false.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
DNA transfer by transduction requires contact between bacteria
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
DNA transfer by transduction does not require direct contact between bacteria. Transduction is a process in which bacterial DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria). During transduction, the bacteriophage infects a donor bacterium and incorporates the bacterial DNA into its own viral DNA. When the bacteriophage infects a recipient bacterium, it injects the viral DNA along with the bacterial DNA, allowing the transfer of genetic material between bacteria. Therefore, contact between bacteria is not necessary for DNA transfer by transduction.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Salmonella cells are typically 10um long
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Salmonella cells are typically 2-5um long, not 10um long. The statement is false because it provides incorrect information about the length of Salmonella cells.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Cholera Toxin
- A.
ADP-ribosylates translation elongation factor 2 (EF-2)
- B.
Is a homologue of host adenylate cyclase
- C.
Disrupts control of host adenylate cyclase activity
- D.
Causes electrolyte loss into the lumen
- E.
Causes a low volume bloody diarrhoea
Correct Answer(s)
C. Disrupts control of host adenylate cyclase activity
D. Causes electrolyte loss into the lumenExplanation
Cholera toxin disrupts the control of host adenylate cyclase activity. Adenylate cyclase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP). By disrupting the control of this enzyme, cholera toxin leads to an excessive production of cAMP within host cells. This results in the activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and subsequent efflux of chloride ions into the lumen of the intestine. The loss of chloride ions leads to the passive movement of sodium ions and water into the lumen, causing electrolyte loss and ultimately resulting in the characteristic low volume bloody diarrhea seen in cholera.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
These are typically zoonotic infections
- A.
Cholera
- B.
Dysentery
- C.
Salmonellosis
- D.
Typhoid
- E.
EHEC 0157 diarrhoeal disease
Correct Answer(s)
C. Salmonellosis
E. EHEC 0157 diarrhoeal diseaseExplanation
The given answer includes Salmonellosis and EHEC 0157 diarrheal disease as examples of zoonotic infections. Zoonotic infections are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Salmonellosis is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, which can be found in animals such as poultry, reptiles, and rodents. EHEC 0157 diarrheal disease is caused by a strain of E. coli bacteria that can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, often originating from animal sources such as cattle. Therefore, both Salmonellosis and EHEC 0157 diarrheal disease fit the description of zoonotic infections.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
These bacteria typically cause chronic disease
- A.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- B.
Treponema pallidum
- C.
Bordetella pertussis
- D.
Vibrio Cholera
- E.
Helicobacter pylori
Correct Answer(s)
A. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
B. Treponema pallidum
D. Vibrio Cholera
E. Helicobacter pyloriExplanation
These bacteria are known to cause chronic diseases. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, a chronic respiratory disease. Treponema pallidum causes syphilis, a chronic sexually transmitted disease. Vibrio cholera causes cholera, a chronic diarrheal disease. Helicobacter pylori causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Endotoxin
- A.
Is actively secreted by bacteria
- B.
Is a component of capsule polysaccharide
- C.
Activates macrophages via CD14
- D.
Is an important defence against antibodies
- E.
Is located in the Gram negative cell outer membrane
Correct Answer(s)
C. Activates macrophages via CD14
E. Is located in the Gram negative cell outer membraneExplanation
Endotoxin is a molecule that is located in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. It is not actively secreted by bacteria, but rather released upon bacterial lysis or cell death. Endotoxin activates macrophages via the CD14 receptor, triggering an immune response. It is not a component of capsule polysaccharide, which is a different bacterial structure. While endotoxin can contribute to defense against antibodies, it is not its primary function.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
In tuberculosis
- A.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is protected by aligate polysaccharide
- B.
Caseous necrosis is caused by a secreted exotoxin
- C.
Immunity is established by a strong Th2 response
- D.
Inflammation causes formation of a pseudomembrane in the airway
- E.
Protection is afforded by the live BCG vaccine
Correct Answer
E. Protection is afforded by the live BCG vaccineExplanation
The live BCG vaccine provides protection against tuberculosis. BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, which is a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis, closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When the BCG vaccine is administered, it stimulates the immune system to produce a response against the bacteria, leading to the development of immunity. This immunity helps in preventing the infection or reducing the severity of tuberculosis if someone is exposed to the bacteria. The BCG vaccine is commonly used in countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis to protect individuals, especially children, from the disease.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
Bacteria may evade the host defences by,
- A.
Subverting macrophage function
- B.
Avoiding phagocytosis
- C.
Integrating into the host genome
- D.
Destroying antibody
- E.
Phase variation
Correct Answer(s)
A. Subverting macrophage function
B. Avoiding phagocytosis
D. Destroying antibody
E. Phase variationExplanation
Bacteria have various mechanisms to evade the host defenses. They can subvert macrophage function, which is a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in immune response, by manipulating their activity or inhibiting their functions. Bacteria can also avoid phagocytosis, the process by which macrophages engulf and destroy pathogens. They can do this by modifying their surface structures or secreting substances that inhibit phagocytosis. Additionally, bacteria can destroy antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens. They can achieve this by producing enzymes that degrade antibodies. Lastly, bacteria can undergo phase variation, which is the ability to switch between different surface structures, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and target them.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
The following have both inner and outer cell membranes
- A.
Escherichia coli
- B.
Streptococcus pyogenes
- C.
Clostridium tetani
- D.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- E.
Neisseria meningitidis
Correct Answer(s)
A. Escherichia coli
D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
E. Neisseria meningitidisExplanation
Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Neisseria meningitidis have both inner and outer cell membranes. This is a characteristic feature of gram-negative bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria have a double membrane structure, with an inner membrane and an outer membrane. The inner membrane is the plasma membrane, which separates the cytoplasm from the external environment. The outer membrane is an additional protective layer that contains lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and acts as a barrier against certain substances. This double membrane structure is not present in gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus pyogenes and Clostridium tetani, which only have a single plasma membrane.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
Tetanus toxin
- A.
Is produced by Clostridium tetani spores
- B.
Cleaves small GTPases involved in signal transduction
- C.
Is an adenylate cyclase, inactivating synaptobrevin
- D.
Blocks release of stimulatory neurotransmitters in peripheral nerves
- E.
Causes spastic paralysis
Correct Answer
E. Causes spastic paralysisExplanation
Tetanus toxin is produced by Clostridium tetani spores and it causes spastic paralysis. This means that the toxin leads to a condition where the muscles become stiff and rigid, resulting in difficulty in movement. The toxin interferes with the normal functioning of the nerves and disrupts the release of certain neurotransmitters that are responsible for muscle relaxation. As a result, the muscles remain contracted and unable to relax, leading to the characteristic spastic paralysis seen in tetanus infections.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
Streptococcus pyogenes
- A.
Lancefield grouping is based on the cell surface M protein
- B.
Is B-haemolytic and forms clusters of gram-positive cells
- C.
Causes many acute suppurative infections and fasciitis
- D.
Causes pneumonia, a common immediate causes of death
- E.
Antigen-antibody complexes cause post-infection glomerulonephritis
Correct Answer(s)
A. Lancefield grouping is based on the cell surface M protein
C. Causes many acute suppurative infections and fasciitis
E. Antigen-antibody complexes cause post-infection glomerulonephritisExplanation
Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacteria that can be classified into different groups based on the Lancefield grouping system, which is determined by the presence of specific cell surface M proteins. This bacteria is B-haemolytic, meaning it can cause the destruction of red blood cells. It forms clusters of gram-positive cells and is known to cause many acute suppurative infections and fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the fascia. Additionally, Streptococcus pyogenes can lead to post-infection glomerulonephritis, a condition characterized by the formation of antigen-antibody complexes in the glomeruli of the kidneys, leading to kidney inflammation.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
These diseases are spread by propagated outbreaks
- A.
Pneumonic plague
- B.
Tuberculosis
- C.
Legionnaires disease
- D.
Botulism
- E.
Dysentery
Correct Answer(s)
A. Pneumonic plague
B. Tuberculosis
E. DysenteryExplanation
These diseases are spread by propagated outbreaks because they are all caused by infectious agents that can be transmitted from person to person. Pneumonic plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis and can be spread through respiratory droplets. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can be spread through coughing or sneezing. Dysentery is caused by various bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can be spread through contaminated food or water. In all of these cases, the diseases can quickly spread within a population, leading to outbreaks.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
In tuberculosis
- A.
M. tuberculosis is spread by small droplets and ingested by alveolar macrophages
- B.
Acute inflammatory disease is resolved by a strong antibody response
- C.
Caseous necrosis results from damage to the lungs by a bacterial exotoxin
- D.
Protection is afforded by a toxoid vaccine
- E.
A positive tuberculin skin test reflects a T cell response to mycobacterial components
Correct Answer(s)
A. M. tuberculosis is spread by small droplets and ingested by alveolar macrophages
E. A positive tuberculin skin test reflects a T cell response to mycobacterial componentsExplanation
M. tuberculosis is spread by small droplets and ingested by alveolar macrophages. This means that the bacteria can be transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, and it can then be inhaled by others. Once in the lungs, the bacteria are taken up by alveolar macrophages, which are immune cells that play a role in defending against infections.
A positive tuberculin skin test reflects a T cell response to mycobacterial components. This test involves injecting a small amount of purified proteins from M. tuberculosis under the skin and then measuring the immune response. If an individual has been exposed to the bacteria before, their immune system will mount a T cell response to these proteins, resulting in a positive reaction on the skin test.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
The following cause zoonotic diseases of the GI tract
- A.
Vibrio cholerae
- B.
Salmonella enteriditis
- C.
Salmonella typhi
- D.
Shigella dystenteriae
- E.
E.coli 0157
Correct Answer(s)
B. Salmonella enteriditis
E. E.coli 0157Explanation
Salmonella enteriditis and E.coli 0157 are known to cause zoonotic diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans, and these two bacteria are commonly found in animals such as poultry, cattle, and pigs. When humans come into contact with contaminated animal products or environments, they can contract these bacteria and develop GI infections. Salmonella enteriditis is a common cause of food poisoning, while E.coli 0157 is associated with severe diarrhea and can lead to complications such as kidney failure. Therefore, these two bacteria are known to cause zoonotic diseases of the GI tract.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
E. coli
- A.
Genomes contain 300-500 genes depending on the type of pathogenicity island
- B.
Is a facultative anaerobe, generating ATP from mitochondria during aerobic growth
- C.
Cell division occurs by meiosis and binary fission
- D.
Are common members of the resident microflora of the respiratory tract and skin
- E.
Has inner and outer membranes, a periplasm, and a peptidoglycan cell wall
Correct Answer
E. Has inner and outer membranes, a periplasm, and a peptidoglycan cell wallExplanation
E. coli has inner and outer membranes, a periplasm, and a peptidoglycan cell wall. This means that it has a complex cell structure consisting of both inner and outer membranes, which provide protection and regulate the flow of molecules into and out of the cell. The periplasm is the space between these membranes where various metabolic activities occur. The peptidoglycan cell wall provides structural support and protection to the bacterium. This cell structure is characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
In diptheriae
- A.
Alginate polysaccharide contributes to the formation of a pseudomembrane
- B.
Protection is provided by the live BCG vaccine
- C.
The diptheria toxin is a glycosidase that targets translation
- D.
C.diptheriae is 'acid fast' due to its waxy impermeable cell envelope
- E.
Protection is offered by a toxoid vaccine
Correct Answer
E. Protection is offered by a toxoid vaccineExplanation
A toxoid vaccine is a type of vaccine that uses a modified version of the toxin produced by the bacteria or virus to stimulate an immune response. In the case of diphtheria, the toxoid vaccine contains a modified form of the diphtheria toxin. When the vaccine is administered, the immune system recognizes the modified toxin as foreign and produces antibodies against it. These antibodies can then neutralize the actual toxin produced by the bacteria, providing protection against diphtheria.Rate this question:
-
- 21.
Bacterial endotoxin
- A.
Comprises variable sugars and protects against complement
- B.
Is part of lipopolysaccharice in Staphylococcus aureus
- C.
Is a PAMP that activates macrophages by CD14
- D.
Can be made into a protective toxoid vaccine by heating
- E.
Is actively secreted by the bacterial cell
Correct Answer
C. Is a PAMP that activates macrophages by CD14Explanation
Bacterial endotoxin is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) that activates macrophages by binding to the CD14 receptor. This activation triggers an immune response, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines and the recruitment of other immune cells to the site of infection. This helps to eliminate the bacterial infection.Rate this question:
-
- 22.
Among antibiotics
- A.
Sulphonamide blocks folate synthesis by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase
- B.
Tetracycline binds ribosomal 30S subunit
- C.
Vancomycin mimics D-ala-D-ala crosslinks in peptidoglycan
- D.
Ciprofloxacin and rifampicin block DNA replication
- E.
Resistance to trimethoprim is mediated by enzyme inactivation
Correct Answer
B. Tetracycline binds ribosomal 30S subunitExplanation
Tetracycline is an antibiotic that works by binding to the ribosomal 30S subunit of bacteria. This binding prevents the attachment of transfer RNA (tRNA) to the messenger RNA (mRNA)-ribosome complex, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. By inhibiting protein synthesis, tetracycline effectively stops the growth and replication of bacteria. This mechanism of action is different from the other antibiotics listed, which target different processes in bacteria such as folate synthesis, peptidoglycan crosslinking, DNA replication, or enzyme inactivation.Rate this question:
-
- 23.
In gastrointestinal infections
- A.
EHEC 0157 causes intoxication by producing superantigens in food
- B.
ETEC causing travellers diarrhoea secretes a cholera-like ADP-ribosylating toxin
- C.
Salmonella enteriditis causes gastroenteritis via chicken and eggs
- D.
Shiga toxin causes haemolytic ureamia syndrome by ADP-ribosylating ribosomal proteins
- E.
Staphylococcal food poisoning is thought to be caused by enterotoxins acting as superantigens
Correct Answer(s)
B. ETEC causing travellers diarrhoea secretes a cholera-like ADP-ribosylating toxin
C. Salmonella enteriditis causes gastroenteritis via chicken and eggs
E. Staphylococcal food poisoning is thought to be caused by enterotoxins acting as superantigensExplanation
The correct answer is that ETEC causing travelers diarrhea secretes a cholera-like ADP-ribosylating toxin, Salmonella enteriditis causes gastroenteritis via chicken and eggs, and Staphylococcal food poisoning is thought to be caused by enterotoxins acting as superantigens. This means that ETEC produces a toxin similar to the one produced by cholera bacteria, which causes diarrhea in travelers. Salmonella causes gastroenteritis when consumed through contaminated chicken and eggs. Staphylococcal food poisoning occurs when enterotoxins produced by Staphylococcus bacteria act as superantigens, causing illness.Rate this question:
-
- 24.
NK cells and interferon are the key elements of the innate defences against pathogenic bacteria
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because NK cells and interferon are not the key elements of the innate defences against pathogenic bacteria. While NK cells and interferon play important roles in the innate immune response, other components such as phagocytes, complement proteins, and antimicrobial peptides are also crucial in defending against pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that NK cells and interferon are the key elements.Rate this question:
-
- 25.
Lysozyme cleaves cell wall peptidoglycan
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Lysozyme is an enzyme that is found in various bodily fluids and has the ability to break down the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. This process weakens the cell wall, leading to the lysis of the bacteria. Therefore, it is correct to say that lysozyme cleaves cell wall peptidoglycan.Rate this question:
-
- 26.
Pneumolysin and streptolysin O enzymatically degrade membrane phospholipids
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Pneumolysin and streptolysin O do not enzymatically degrade membrane phospholipids. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
-
- 27.
Salmonella force entry into host cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Salmonella does not force entry into host cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Instead, it uses a type III secretion system to inject effector proteins into the host cell, which then manipulate the host cell's machinery to facilitate bacterial entry. Therefore, the given statement is false.Rate this question:
-
- 28.
Neisseria changes expression of pilus genes to affect antigenic variation
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Neisseria is a genus of bacteria that can cause various diseases, including meningitis and gonorrhea. These bacteria are known to undergo antigenic variation, a process that allows them to change the expression of their pilus genes. By doing so, Neisseria can alter the proteins on the surface of their pili, which helps them evade the immune system. This ability to change their antigenic properties is crucial for the survival and persistence of Neisseria in the host, making the statement "Neisseria changes expression of pilus genes to affect antigenic variation" true.Rate this question:
-
Back to top