Microbiology quiz

Non-specific immune responses are the body's first line of defense, such as skin, mucus, and tears, which act as physical or chemical barriers. Antibodies and memory cells are part of the specific (adaptive) immune response.

Plant fiber (dietary fiber) is a prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a diverse and healthy microbiome. Meat and simple sugars do not provide the same benefit for microbial diversity.

A vaccine contains a weakened or dead form of a pathogen, which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells without causing the full disease.

Ergot is a type of fungus that grows on grains. Option C is the most accurate description provided in the context of the options.

A toxin is a harmful substance produced by living organisms, such as bacteria, that can cause disease or damage to the host.

A pathogen is any organism or agent (like a virus, bacterium, or fungus) that causes disease in its host.

An infection occurs when a pathogen invades the body, multiplies, and begins to cause damage or disease.

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus. Thrush is a fungal infection, and strep throat is a bacterial infection.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Measles and flu are viral, and thrush is fungal.

A virus consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid. They lack the cellular machinery of bacteria or fungi.

A plasmid is a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is distinct from a cell's chromosomal DNA. They are commonly found in bacteria.

Eukaryotic cells are defined by having a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells lack these structures.

Conjugation is the process where bacteria transfer genetic material, often via a pilus. Budding and binary fission are reproductive methods, while fertilization is a process in sexual reproduction of multicellular organisms.

Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes. The process involves the replication of the circular chromosomal DNA followed by cell division.

Prokaryotes are defined by the lack of a membrane-bound nucleus. They do contain DNA, ribosomes, and often pili.

Viruses are considered non-living because they cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic processes independently. They require a host cell to replicate.