Exam 1: Humans and the Microbial World

You explain to Sandy that her body carries an enormous population of microorganisms, collectively called the normal microbiota. You tell her that this population has a vital role in maintaining her health. Select the FALSE statement regarding the role of the normal microbiota.

Digestive tract microbiome plays no role in maintaining a person's health.

Lyme disease is an example of a disease that is due to

Viruses are in the domain(s)

Archaea are very similar to bacteria and have rigid cell walls made of peptidoglycan.

All of the statements regarding archaea are true EXCEPT

The outbreak of measles within the last few years is due to

The scientist usually considered the first to see microorganisms, which he called "animalcules," was ________.

Viruses

An illness outbreak occurs in New York City birds in the late 1990s. After a lengthy scientific investigation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determine that the agent causing the birds to die is the West Nile virus. Outbreaks of this illness have been observed in several other countries in Asia and the Middle East across the last 50 years, but not in the United States. With this information, what would be the best categorization of this infectious agent/disease?

Bioremediation refers to

The structures present in the hay infusions used in experiments on spontaneous generation that made them difficult to sterilize are

You are concerned that Sandy may have a C. difficile infection. When normal microbiota is disturbed, organisms such as C. difficile may thrive. What caused the disturbance in Sandy's normal microbiota in this case?

What conclusion can the scientist in this scenario make from her results?

Viruses may only be grown

Bacteria are present on the body

Viruses, viroids, and prions are obligate intracellular agents.

Scientists recently cloned Louis Pasteur and put him back to work in a modern lab. He promptly developed a topical gel (used externally) that breaks down proteins. Since he hasn't been around for some time, he's unsure what the best application for his invention might be. Help him out. What pathogenic agent would this gel be most effective and safe at eliminating?

Which of the statements regarding smallpox is TRUE?

Microorganisms are involved in all of the following EXCEPT