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 pandemic?

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

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

  1. AIntact skin
  2. BMemory B cells
  3. CCytotoxic T cells
  4. DAntibodies
3.Easy

Tapeworms and roundworms are examples of:

  1. AHelminths
  2. BPrions
  3. CFungi
  4. DProtozoa
4.Medium

How does an autoclave sterilise instruments?

  1. AWith dry heat at about 60 °C
  2. BWith steam under pressure at about 121 °C
  3. CWith ultraviolet light only
  4. DWith alcohol vapour at room temperature
5.Medium

What is the main virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the target of its vaccines?

  1. AIts endospores
  2. BIts cholera-like toxin
  3. CIts polysaccharide capsule
  4. DIts flagella
6.Medium

Many antifungal drugs target ergosterol. Why does this work?

  1. AErgosterol is only found in viruses
  2. BErgosterol is the main structural component of bacterial cell walls
  3. CHuman cells use ergosterol to make energy
  4. DErgosterol is in fungal cell membranes but not in human cells
7.Hard

Gram-positive cocci are found. Which test quickly separates staphylococci from streptococci?

  1. AThe acid-fast stain
  2. BGrowth on MacConkey agar
  3. CThe catalase test
  4. DThe coagulase test
8.Hard

Primary syphilis typically presents with:

  1. ADamage to the heart and brain
  2. BA painful cluster of small blisters on the genitals or the mouth
  3. CA painless ulcer (chancre) at the site of infection
  4. DA widespread rash on the palms and soles

Answer key

  1. 1. D · An epidemic that spreads across several countries or continents
  2. 2. A · Intact skin
  3. 3. A · Helminths
  4. 4. B · With steam under pressure at about 121 °C
  5. 5. C · Its polysaccharide capsule
  6. 6. D · Ergosterol is in fungal cell membranes but not in human cells
  7. 7. C · The catalase test
  8. 8. C · A painless ulcer (chancre) at the site of infection

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