Microbiology worksheet with answers

Free printable Microbiology worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

How do bacteria usually reproduce?

  1. AMitosis with a nuclear membrane
  2. BMeiosis
  3. CBudding from a spore
  4. DBinary fission
2.Easy

Vaccines protect against disease mainly by:

  1. ABlocking all viruses from entering cells
  2. BStimulating the immune system to form memory cells
  3. CProviding ready-made antibodies that remain in the blood for life
  4. DKilling bacteria directly in the blood
3.Easy

Which disease has been eradicated worldwide through vaccination?

  1. AMeasles
  2. BMalaria
  3. CSmallpox
  4. DTuberculosis
4.Medium

What is the main difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

  1. AAdaptive immunity acts within minutes of infection
  2. BAdaptive immunity is specific and forms memory; innate immunity does not
  3. CInnate immunity develops only after vaccination
  4. DInnate immunity uses antibodies and forms memory; adaptive immunity does not
5.Medium

Which antibody class is the first to rise in a new infection?

  1. AIgA
  2. BIgG
  3. CIgE
  4. DIgM
6.Medium

In which phase of the bacterial growth curve do the cells divide at their fastest constant rate?

  1. ADeath phase
  2. BLog (exponential) phase
  3. CLag (adaptation) phase
  4. DStationary (plateau) phase
7.Hard

Why can a person get influenza many times but measles usually only once?

  1. AInfluenza attacks and destroys the memory cells formed after infection
  2. BMeasles virus has no surface antigens
  3. CInfluenza viruses change their surface antigens often
  4. DMeasles is caused by a bacterium
8.Hard

Primary syphilis typically presents with:

  1. AA painless ulcer (chancre) at the site of infection
  2. BA painful cluster of small blisters on the genitals or the mouth
  3. CA widespread rash on the palms and soles
  4. DDamage to the heart and brain

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Binary fission
  2. 2. B · Stimulating the immune system to form memory cells
  3. 3. C · Smallpox
  4. 4. B · Adaptive immunity is specific and forms memory; innate immunity does not
  5. 5. D · IgM
  6. 6. B · Log (exponential) phase
  7. 7. C · Influenza viruses change their surface antigens often
  8. 8. A · A painless ulcer (chancre) at the site of infection

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