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 main purpose of bacterial endospores?

  1. ATo reproduce quickly when nutrients and water are plentiful
  2. BTo exchange DNA with other bacteria
  3. CTo survive harsh conditions such as heat and drying
  4. DTo move towards nutrients
2.Easy

Which disease has been eradicated worldwide through vaccination?

  1. AMalaria
  2. BSmallpox
  3. CTuberculosis
  4. DMeasles
3.Easy

What is a pandemic?

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

Which antibody class is the first to rise in a new infection?

  1. AIgA
  2. BIgM
  3. CIgE
  4. DIgG
5.Medium

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

  1. ATransformation
  2. BConjugation
  3. CTransduction
  4. DTranscription
6.Medium

Which laboratory test separates Staphylococcus aureus from most other staphylococci?

  1. AThe acid-fast stain
  2. BThe Gram stain
  3. CThe coagulase test
  4. DThe catalase test
7.Hard

Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria only if it produces diphtheria toxin. When does it make this toxin?

  1. AWhen it carries a bacteriophage with the toxin gene
  2. BOnly after it has conjugated with E. coli and received a plasmid
  3. COnly when it is grown at high temperature
  4. DWhenever it is exposed to antibiotics
8.Hard

A patient with suspected infectious pulmonary tuberculosis is admitted. Which precautions are needed?

  1. ANo special precautions, because TB spreads only by blood
  2. BContact precautions only, with gloves and an apron
  3. CAirborne precautions, ideally a negative-pressure room and respirator masks for staff
  4. DDroplet precautions with a surgical mask, and only within one metre

Answer key

  1. 1. C · To survive harsh conditions such as heat and drying
  2. 2. B · Smallpox
  3. 3. A · An epidemic that spreads across several countries or continents
  4. 4. B · IgM
  5. 5. C · Transduction
  6. 6. C · The coagulase test
  7. 7. A · When it carries a bacteriophage with the toxin gene
  8. 8. C · Airborne precautions, ideally a negative-pressure room and respirator masks for staff

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