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

Which is part of the body's first line of defence against infection?

  1. ACytotoxic T cells
  2. BAntibodies
  3. CIntact skin
  4. DMemory B cells
2.Easy

Lyme disease is transmitted to humans by:

  1. ATick bites
  2. BMosquito bites
  3. CCoughing and sneezing
  4. DContaminated water
3.Easy

What is a yeast?

  1. AA single-celled fungus
  2. BA small virus
  3. CA type of spiral bacterium
  4. DA multicellular parasite
4.Medium

Toxoplasma gondii is a risk in pregnancy. Which advice reduces exposure?

  1. AAvoid all fruit and vegetables
  2. BAvoid cleaning cat litter and avoid undercooked meat
  3. CAvoid contact with dogs
  4. DAvoid swimming pools and all other public bathing areas
5.Medium

In which phase of the bacterial growth curve do the cells divide at their fastest constant rate?

  1. ADeath phase
  2. BLag (adaptation) phase
  3. CLog (exponential) phase
  4. DStationary (plateau) phase
6.Medium

Which statement is one of Koch's postulates?

  1. AThe disease must respond to antibiotics
  2. BThe organism must be visible with the naked eye
  3. CThe organism must be found in healthy people as well
  4. DThe organism must cause the same disease when introduced into a healthy susceptible host
7.Hard

What did Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiment demonstrate?

  1. AMicroorganisms come from other microorganisms, not from spontaneous generation
  2. BAir itself produces microorganisms
  3. CBoiling cannot kill microorganisms
  4. DMicroorganisms need light to grow
8.Hard

How do high-risk HPV types contribute to cervical cancer?

  1. AThe virus produces an endotoxin that damages DNA
  2. BViral E6 and E7 proteins inactivate the tumour suppressors p53 and Rb
  3. CThe virus destroys CD4 T cells in the cervix
  4. DThe virus kills cells so quickly that they are replaced by cancer cells

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Intact skin
  2. 2. A · Tick bites
  3. 3. A · A single-celled fungus
  4. 4. B · Avoid cleaning cat litter and avoid undercooked meat
  5. 5. C · Log (exponential) phase
  6. 6. D · The organism must cause the same disease when introduced into a healthy susceptible host
  7. 7. A · Microorganisms come from other microorganisms, not from spontaneous generation
  8. 8. B · Viral E6 and E7 proteins inactivate the tumour suppressors p53 and Rb

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