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 yeast?

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

What is agar used for in a microbiology laboratory?

  1. ATo stain bacteria purple
  2. BTo dissolve bacterial cell walls
  3. CTo kill bacteria on surfaces
  4. DTo make culture media solid
3.Easy

What is the main function of bacterial flagella?

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

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

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

Which organism causes typhoid fever?

  1. ASalmonella Typhi
  2. BCampylobacter jejuni
  3. CVibrio cholerae
  4. DShigella dysenteriae
6.Medium

Which statement is one of Koch's postulates?

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

Joseph Lister reduced infection after surgery in the 1860s. What was his main innovation?

  1. AUsing carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic on wounds and instruments
  2. BUsing steam autoclaves to sterilise all surgical instruments before each operation
  3. CGiving sulfonamide antibiotics after every operation
  4. DVaccinating surgeons against staphylococci
8.Hard

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

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

Answer key

  1. 1. B · A single-celled fungus
  2. 2. D · To make culture media solid
  3. 3. A · Movement
  4. 4. C · Avoid cleaning cat litter and avoid undercooked meat
  5. 5. A · Salmonella Typhi
  6. 6. C · The organism must cause the same disease when introduced into a healthy susceptible host
  7. 7. A · Using carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic on wounds and instruments
  8. 8. C · Airborne precautions, ideally a negative-pressure room and respirator masks for staff

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