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.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What is a pandemic?

  1. AA disease that is always present at a low, stable level in a region
  2. BA single case of a rare disease
  3. CAn epidemic that spreads across several countries or continents
  4. DAn outbreak limited to one hospital ward
2.Easy

What shape are cocci?

  1. ARound
  2. BSpiral
  3. CComma-shaped
  4. DRod-shaped
3.Easy

Why are viruses called obligate intracellular parasites?

  1. AThey only live inside the intestine
  2. BThey can only replicate inside a living host cell
  3. CThey always kill the host cell immediately
  4. DThey can only be seen inside a cell under a microscope
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

Why does high vaccination coverage also protect babies too young to be vaccinated?

  1. ABabies are naturally immune to all vaccine-preventable diseases
  2. BFewer people can pass on the infection, so it spreads less
  3. CVaccines kill the pathogen in the environment
  4. DVaccinated people pass antibodies to everyone they meet
6.Medium

How does an mRNA vaccine produce immunity?

  1. AThe mRNA kills the virus directly in the blood
  2. BThe mRNA is inserted permanently into human DNA
  3. CThe mRNA contains weakened live virus
  4. DBody cells use the mRNA to make a viral protein that the immune system learns to recognise
7.Hard

Which mechanism of antibiotic resistance does a bacterium use when it pumps the drug out of the cell?

  1. ATarget modification
  2. BEfflux pumps
  3. CReduced porin uptake only
  4. DEnzymatic inactivation
8.Hard

An older adult develops a painful blistering rash in a band on one side of the chest. What explains this pattern?

  1. AA new chickenpox infection spreads through the blood to one side
  2. BAn allergic reaction to clothing affects one dermatome
  3. CVaricella-zoster virus reactivates from one sensory ganglion and travels along its nerve
  4. DBacteria spread along the lymphatic vessels of the chest

Answer key

  1. 1. C · An epidemic that spreads across several countries or continents
  2. 2. A · Round
  3. 3. B · They can only replicate inside a living host cell
  4. 4. C · Clostridioides difficile infection
  5. 5. B · Fewer people can pass on the infection, so it spreads less
  6. 6. D · Body cells use the mRNA to make a viral protein that the immune system learns to recognise
  7. 7. B · Efflux pumps
  8. 8. C · Varicella-zoster virus reactivates from one sensory ganglion and travels along its nerve

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.