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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1.Easy

What is the purpose of pasteurising milk?

  1. ATo remove fat from the milk
  2. BTo kill all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, by heating
  3. CTo kill pathogens by heating, without fully sterilising it
  4. DTo add healthy bacteria to the milk
2.Easy

What is a pathogen?

  1. AA microorganism that can cause disease
  2. BAny microorganism living on the skin
  3. CA drug that kills bacteria
  4. DA cell of the immune system
3.Easy

Tapeworms and roundworms are examples of:

  1. APrions
  2. BProtozoa
  3. CHelminths
  4. DFungi
4.Medium

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

  1. AVaccines kill the pathogen in the environment
  2. BVaccinated people pass antibodies to everyone they meet
  3. CBabies are naturally immune to all vaccine-preventable diseases
  4. DFewer people can pass on the infection, so it spreads less
5.Medium

Why are pregnant women advised to avoid unpasteurised soft cheeses?

  1. AThey contain too much lactose for the fetus
  2. BThey may contain Listeria, which can harm the fetus
  3. CThey often contain the hepatitis C virus, which crosses the placenta
  4. DThey may contain tapeworm eggs
6.Medium

Which organism is a common cause of infection in burns and in people with cystic fibrosis, and can produce a green pigment?

  1. AHelicobacter pylori
  2. BClostridium tetani
  3. CPseudomonas aeruginosa
  4. DStreptococcus pyogenes
7.Hard

A patient taking high-dose immunosuppressive drugs after a transplant is due for vaccinations. Which vaccine type is generally avoided?

  1. ASubunit vaccines
  2. BInactivated whole-virus vaccines
  3. CLive attenuated vaccines
  4. DToxoid vaccines
8.Hard

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

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

Answer key

  1. 1. C · To kill pathogens by heating, without fully sterilising it
  2. 2. A · A microorganism that can cause disease
  3. 3. C · Helminths
  4. 4. D · Fewer people can pass on the infection, so it spreads less
  5. 5. B · They may contain Listeria, which can harm the fetus
  6. 6. C · Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  7. 7. C · Live attenuated vaccines
  8. 8. A · Varicella-zoster virus reactivates from one sensory ganglion and travels along its nerve

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