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

What is an antigen?

  1. AA drug that blocks bacterial growth
  2. BA molecule that the immune system recognises
  3. CA type of white blood cell
  4. DA protein made by plasma cells to fight infection
2.Easy

What is meant by the normal flora (microbiota) of the body?

  1. AMicroorganisms that normally live on or in the body without causing disease
  2. BBacteria that always cause mild infections
  3. CThe white blood cells in healthy tissue
  4. DMicroorganisms found only in sick patients
3.Easy

Lyme disease is transmitted to humans by:

  1. AContaminated water
  2. BTick bites
  3. CMosquito bites
  4. DCoughing and sneezing
4.Medium

Which infection is a typical complication of broad-spectrum antibiotic use, causing severe diarrhoea?

  1. AHepatitis A
  2. BHelicobacter pylori infection
  3. CClostridioides difficile infection
  4. DSalmonella infection
5.Medium

Which is a function of the complement system?

  1. AMaking new red blood cells
  2. BPresenting antigens to T cells
  3. CForming pores in the membranes of some bacteria
  4. DProducing antibodies against newly encountered antigens
6.Medium

How does an autoclave sterilise instruments?

  1. AWith ultraviolet light only
  2. BWith steam under pressure at about 121 °C
  3. CWith dry heat at about 60 °C
  4. DWith alcohol vapour at room temperature
7.Hard

Which process can produce a completely new influenza A subtype that causes a pandemic?

  1. AAntigenic shift through reassortment of gene segments
  2. BAntigenic drift through gradual accumulation of point mutations
  3. CLysogenic conversion by a bacteriophage
  4. DTransformation with free DNA
8.Hard

A child develops bloody diarrhoea after eating an undercooked burger, then a week later has kidney failure, anaemia and a low platelet count. Which organism is most likely?

  1. ARotavirus
  2. BStaphylococcus aureus
  3. CClostridium perfringens
  4. DShiga toxin-producing E. coli such as O157:H7

Answer key

  1. 1. B · A molecule that the immune system recognises
  2. 2. A · Microorganisms that normally live on or in the body without causing disease
  3. 3. B · Tick bites
  4. 4. C · Clostridioides difficile infection
  5. 5. C · Forming pores in the membranes of some bacteria
  6. 6. B · With steam under pressure at about 121 °C
  7. 7. A · Antigenic shift through reassortment of gene segments
  8. 8. D · Shiga toxin-producing E. coli such as O157:H7

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