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 shape are cocci?

  1. ASpiral
  2. BComma-shaped
  3. CRound
  4. DRod-shaped
2.Easy

What is a yeast?

  1. AA type of spiral bacterium
  2. BA small virus
  3. CA multicellular parasite
  4. DA single-celled fungus
3.Easy

What is a pathogen?

  1. AA drug that kills bacteria
  2. BA cell of the immune system
  3. CAny microorganism living on the skin
  4. DA microorganism that can cause disease
4.Medium

Which vaccine contains live attenuated (weakened) viruses?

  1. AHepatitis B vaccine
  2. BMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  3. CTetanus vaccine
  4. DInactivated influenza injection
5.Medium

Toxoplasma gondii is a risk in pregnancy. Which advice reduces exposure?

  1. AAvoid cleaning cat litter and avoid undercooked meat
  2. BAvoid all fruit and vegetables
  3. CAvoid contact with dogs
  4. DAvoid swimming pools and all other public bathing areas
6.Medium

Transfer of bacterial genes from one bacterium to another by a virus is called:

  1. ATranscription
  2. BTransformation
  3. CConjugation
  4. DTransduction
7.Hard

A traveller returns from sub-Saharan Africa with fever. Malaria is suspected. Which species is most likely to cause severe and cerebral malaria?

  1. APlasmodium malariae
  2. BPlasmodium falciparum
  3. CPlasmodium vivax
  4. DPlasmodium ovale
8.Hard

A urinary catheter has become colonised by bacteria in a biofilm. Why is the catheter usually replaced instead of just giving antibiotics?

  1. ABacteria in biofilms are protected and much harder for antibiotics to kill
  2. BAntibiotics damage the catheter material
  3. CBiofilm bacteria cannot cause disease
  4. DBiofilms contain only viruses, so antibiotics do not work

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Round
  2. 2. D · A single-celled fungus
  3. 3. D · A microorganism that can cause disease
  4. 4. B · MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  5. 5. A · Avoid cleaning cat litter and avoid undercooked meat
  6. 6. D · Transduction
  7. 7. B · Plasmodium falciparum
  8. 8. A · Bacteria in biofilms are protected and much harder for antibiotics to kill

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