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 is a plasmid?

  1. AA type of bacterial ribosome
  2. BThe protein coat of a virus
  3. CA layer of sugar around the bacterial cell that protects it from phagocytosis
  4. DA small circle of DNA separate from the bacterial chromosome
2.Easy

What is a zoonosis?

  1. AAn infection spread through water
  2. BAn infection that only affects zoo animals
  3. CAn infection caught in hospital
  4. DAn infection that spreads from animals to humans
3.Easy

Which organism causes malaria?

  1. AAnopheles
  2. BToxoplasma
  3. CTrypanosoma
  4. DPlasmodium
4.Medium

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

  1. ATransformation
  2. BConjugation
  3. CTranscription
  4. DTransduction
5.Medium

Why are pregnant women advised to avoid unpasteurised soft cheeses?

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

Which white blood cells are the main phagocytes in an acute bacterial infection and the main component of pus?

  1. AEosinophils
  2. BBasophils
  3. CNeutrophils
  4. DB lymphocytes
7.Hard

A young adult with sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes is given amoxicillin and develops a widespread rash. Which infection is most likely?

  1. AMeasles
  2. BInfectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein–Barr virus
  3. CChickenpox
  4. DStreptococcal tonsillitis
8.Hard

Which hepatitis viruses are mainly spread through contaminated food and water?

  1. AHepatitis C and E
  2. BHepatitis A and E
  3. CHepatitis B and D
  4. DHepatitis B and C

Answer key

  1. 1. D · A small circle of DNA separate from the bacterial chromosome
  2. 2. D · An infection that spreads from animals to humans
  3. 3. D · Plasmodium
  4. 4. D · Transduction
  5. 5. D · They may contain Listeria, which can harm the fetus
  6. 6. C · Neutrophils
  7. 7. B · Infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein–Barr virus
  8. 8. B · Hepatitis A and E

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