1.
Which of the following is NOT true of microorganisms?
Correct Answer
D. They all cause disease in humans.
Explanation
Microorganisms are diverse and not all of them cause disease in humans. While some microorganisms can be pathogenic and cause diseases, many others are beneficial and play important roles in various processes. For example, microorganisms are used in the production of antibiotics, as well as in the fermentation processes involved in the production of food and beverages. Additionally, microorganisms are involved in the decomposition of dead organisms, aiding in the recycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Therefore, it is not true that all microorganisms cause disease in humans.
2.
Microorganisms are found:
Correct Answer
D. Microorganisms are found in all of the above places.
Explanation
Microorganisms are found in all of the mentioned places, including in and on the bodies of warm-blooded mammals, in soil, and in air. This is because microorganisms are extremely diverse and can adapt to various environments. They can be found on our skin, in our intestines, and even in the air we breathe. Additionally, microorganisms play important roles in the ecosystem, such as decomposing organic matter in soil and cycling nutrients. Therefore, it is accurate to say that microorganisms are found in all of these places.
3.
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms which include all of the following except:
Correct Answer
C. Plants
Explanation
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are typically very small living organisms that can only be seen under a microscope. Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are all examples of microorganisms and are commonly studied in the field of microbiology. However, plants are not considered microorganisms as they are larger and more complex organisms that can be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, plants are not included in the study of microbiology.
4.
Which of the following groups of organisms contains members better known for transmitting agents of disease than for causing illness themselves?
Correct Answer
A. Arthropods
Explanation
Arthropods are a group of organisms that include insects, ticks, and mosquitoes, which are well-known for transmitting agents of disease such as malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease. While some arthropods can cause illness themselves, they are primarily recognized for their role as vectors in spreading diseases to humans and other animals. Protozoa, fungi, and helminths are also capable of causing illness, but they are not primarily associated with transmitting diseases like arthropods are.
5.
Which of the following fields is concerned with the study fungi?
Correct Answer
D. Mycology
Explanation
Mycology is the field concerned with the study of fungi. Fungi are a group of organisms that include mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. They have their own unique characteristics and life cycles, which are studied in mycology. Bacteriology is the study of bacteria, physiology is the study of how organisms function, and virology is the study of viruses. Therefore, mycology is the correct answer as it specifically focuses on the study of fungi.
6.
A pure culture refers to:
Correct Answer
D. A culture which contains only a single type of organism.
Explanation
A pure culture refers to a culture that contains only a single type of organism. This means that all the bacteria in the culture are genetically identical and belong to the same species. It does not necessarily mean that they have the same shape or that they cause only a single disease. The term "pure culture" is commonly used in microbiology to study and isolate specific microorganisms for research or diagnostic purposes.
7.
An enzyme found in tears and sweat that kills bacteria is?
Correct Answer
B. Lysozyme
Explanation
Lysozyme is an enzyme found in tears and sweat that has antibacterial properties. It works by breaking down the cell walls of bacteria, leading to their destruction. This enzyme is an important part of the body's immune system and helps to protect against bacterial infections. Quinine, salvarsan, and mercury are not enzymes found in tears and sweat that kill bacteria.
8.
Microorganisms are nearly ubiquitous (found everywhere) in the environment.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Microorganisms are found almost everywhere in the environment, indicating their wide distribution. They can be present in soil, water, air, and even inside living organisms. This ubiquity is due to the adaptability and diverse metabolic capabilities of microorganisms, allowing them to survive and thrive in various habitats. Therefore, the statement that microorganisms are nearly ubiquitous in the environment is true.
9.
Microorganisms can be genetically engineered to produce economically essential products, such as enzymes and hormones.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Microorganisms can be genetically engineered to produce economically essential products, such as enzymes and hormones. This is possible through the manipulation of their genetic material, allowing scientists to introduce specific genes that code for the desired product. By doing so, microorganisms can be transformed into efficient factories for the production of valuable substances. This technology has revolutionized several industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biofuels, as it offers a cost-effective and sustainable way to obtain these products.
10.
Protozoa generally have the smallest cells of any of the organisms commonly studied by microbiologists.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false. Protozoa do not generally have the smallest cells of any organisms commonly studied by microbiologists. There are other microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, that have smaller cells than protozoa.
11.
One of the reasons microorganisms are used in research is that they have most of the same structures found in a human cell.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Microorganisms are not used in research because they have most of the same structures found in a human cell. In fact, microorganisms are often used in research precisely because they have different structures and functions compared to human cells. This allows scientists to study and understand the unique characteristics and processes of microorganisms, which can provide valuable insights for various fields such as medicine, genetics, and biotechnology.
12.
Immunology deals with the biological response of a host to invasion by a foreign object such as a microorganism.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Immunology is the branch of science that studies the immune system and how it responds to foreign substances in the body. It focuses on understanding how the body's defense mechanisms work to protect against pathogens such as microorganisms. Therefore, the statement that immunology deals with the biological response of a host to invasion by a foreign object like a microorganism is true.
13.
An electron microscope is needed to visualize viruses.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
An electron microscope is needed to visualize viruses because viruses are much smaller than bacteria and cannot be seen using a light microscope. Electron microscopes use a beam of electrons to magnify the specimen, allowing for higher resolution and the ability to visualize the small size and intricate details of viruses. This technology is essential for studying and understanding viruses, as it provides the necessary level of magnification and clarity to observe their structure and behavior.
14.
Most microorganisms cause disease in humans.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false because most microorganisms do not cause disease in humans. In fact, only a small percentage of microorganisms are pathogenic and capable of causing diseases. The majority of microorganisms are either beneficial or harmless to humans.
15.
Some microorganisms can synthesize substances called blank, which inhibit the growth of other microorganisms.
Correct Answer
antibiotics
Explanation
Microorganisms have the ability to produce antibiotics, which are substances that can inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. Antibiotics are produced as a defense mechanism by certain microorganisms to compete with other microorganisms for resources. These substances can target specific cellular processes or structures in other microorganisms, disrupting their growth and survival. Antibiotics have been widely used in medicine to treat bacterial infections and have played a crucial role in saving countless lives.
16.
The field of blank involves studying how a person defends herself against microbial infection.
Correct Answer
Immunology
Explanation
Immunology is the correct answer because it is the field that involves studying how a person defends themselves against microbial infection. Immunologists study the immune system and how it functions to protect the body from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They investigate the various components of the immune system, including antibodies, white blood cells, and immune responses, to better understand how the body fights off infections and develops immunity.
17.
Blank are the fundamental units of life and carry out the function of all living things.
Correct Answer
cell
Explanation
Cells are the fundamental units of life and carry out the function of all living things. They are the smallest structural and functional units of an organism, capable of performing all the necessary processes for life, such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Cells are responsible for the organization and coordination of all bodily functions, allowing living organisms to maintain homeostasis and carry out essential life processes. Without cells, life as we know it would not be possible.
18.
Cells or viruses that cause disease are said to be:
Correct Answer
pathogenic
Explanation
Pathogenic refers to cells or viruses that are capable of causing disease. These pathogens have the ability to invade and damage host tissues, leading to the development of various illnesses. They can reproduce within the host and spread to other individuals, contributing to the transmission of the disease. Understanding the pathogenic nature of these organisms is crucial in developing effective treatments and preventive measures to combat the associated diseases.