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

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

What shape are cocci?

  1. ARod-shaped
  2. BRound
  3. CComma-shaped
  4. DSpiral
3.Easy

What is the main function of bacterial flagella?

  1. AMovement
  2. BStorage of nutrients
  3. CProtection against drying out
  4. DAttachment to host cells
4.Medium

Which vaccine contains live attenuated (weakened) viruses?

  1. AHepatitis B vaccine
  2. BTetanus vaccine
  3. CInactivated influenza injection
  4. DMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
5.Medium

Why are Gram-negative bacteria often harder to treat with antibiotics?

  1. AThey have a thicker peptidoglycan layer
  2. BThey have no ribosomes
  3. CTheir outer membrane blocks many drugs
  4. DThey divide much more slowly
6.Medium

Which part of the immune system produces antibodies?

  1. ACytotoxic T cells activated in the lymph nodes
  2. BNatural killer cells
  3. CPlasma cells derived from B lymphocytes
  4. DNeutrophils
7.Hard

What is the key difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics?

  1. ABactericidal drugs work only on viruses; bacteriostatic drugs work on bacteria
  2. BBactericidal drugs kill bacteria; bacteriostatic drugs stop growth and rely on the immune system to clear them
  3. CBacteriostatic drugs always work faster than bactericidal drugs
  4. DBactericidal drugs work only outside the body
8.Hard

A teenager has fever, neck stiffness and a non-blanching purple rash. CSF shows Gram-negative diplococci. Which organism is most likely?

  1. AStreptococcus pneumoniae
  2. BEscherichia coli
  3. CListeria monocytogenes
  4. DNeisseria meningitidis

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Microorganisms that normally live on or in the body without causing disease
  2. 2. B · Round
  3. 3. A · Movement
  4. 4. D · MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  5. 5. C · Their outer membrane blocks many drugs
  6. 6. C · Plasma cells derived from B lymphocytes
  7. 7. B · Bactericidal drugs kill bacteria; bacteriostatic drugs stop growth and rely on the immune system to clear them
  8. 8. D · Neisseria meningitidis

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