Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main structural difference between the cell walls of Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while Archaea have pseudomurein.

Question 2

A patient presents with a papule, chills, lymphadenopathy, and a history of a recent cat scratch. Which pathogen is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Bartonella henselae

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of the Alphaproteobacteria?

Accepted Answer

Some have prosthecae, which are stalks or buds used for adherence.

Question 4

Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, is transmitted primarily by which vector?

Accepted Answer

Ticks

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics are only effective in the early stages of Bordetella pertussis infection?

Accepted Answer

The pathology is mainly due to toxins produced by the bacteria, not the bacteria themselves.

Question 6

A Gram-negative diplococcus with fimbriae that attaches to mucous membranes and can cause urethritis is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Question 7

Which of the following is a major reason for the increase in antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Accepted Answer

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics leading to selection of resistant strains.

Question 8

Which of the following bacteria is associated with the production of a potent exotoxin that causes watery diarrhea by stimulating host cells to secrete Cl$$^-$$, HCO$$_3^-$$, and water?

Accepted Answer

Vibrio cholerae

Question 9

A patient develops a rapidly spreading tissue infection after eating raw oysters. The most likely causative agent is:

Accepted Answer

Vibrio vulnificus

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of Clostridium tetani?

Accepted Answer

Tetanospasmin blocks the relaxation pathway in muscles, causing spastic paralysis.

Question 11

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of spirochetes such as Treponema pallidum?

Accepted Answer

Motility by axial filaments (endoflagella) allowing corkscrew movement.

Question 12

A patient with a history of undercooked meat consumption presents with fever, abdominal pain, and a bubo. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Yersinia pestis

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Accepted Answer

First-line therapy is a one-week triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor and two antibiotics.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why Campylobacter jejuni is associated with Guillain–Barré syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Molecular mimicry between bacterial antigens and host nerve tissue triggers an autoimmune response.

Question 15

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of Archaea that distinguishes them from Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Lack of peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the life cycle of Chlamydia trachomatis?

Accepted Answer

Alternates between infectious elementary bodies and replicative reticulate bodies within host cells.

Question 17

A patient presents with a painless chancre, followed by a skin rash and later neurological symptoms. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Treponema pallidum

Question 18

Which of the following is a common feature of all members of the phylum Firmicutes?

Accepted Answer

Low G+C content in their DNA.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why Legionella pneumophila is not transmitted from person to person?

Accepted Answer

It is transmitted by inhaling aerosols from environmental water sources.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about methanogenic Archaea?

Accepted Answer

They generate methane by oxidizing hydrogen gas and using CO$$_2 as a $$terminal electron acceptor.

The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea – Structure, Diversity, and Pathogenicity

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards