NCLEX : Bacterial Physiology

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Example Questions

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Example Question #31 : Microbiology

A synthetic protein is created inside a bacterium from an introduced RNA strand. Which method does the bacterium employ to create the desired protein?

Possible Answers:

Transduction

Translation

Replication

Transcription

Correct answer:

Translation

Explanation:

This question requires that the student recognizes that the process illustrated is recombinant DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) technique. It requires the understanding that the process of producing protein from RNA (ribonucleic acid) is termed translation. Replication is the process by which DNA is synthesized from DNA. Transcription proceeds translation and involves synthesizing RNA transcripts of specific sections of DNA. Transduction is one way bacteria exchange genetic information. Specifically, transduction involves the transfer of bacterial DNA via bacteriophage. Note that this is one way that a group of bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics without ever having been exposed to the antibiotic to which they are resistant.

Example Question #224 : Nclex

Pili allow for the movement of genetic material between sister bacteria by a process known as __________, which allows for the passage of (a) __________?

Possible Answers:

transformation . . . naked DNA

conjugation . . . plasmid

translation . . . protein

transduction . . . prophage

Correct answer:

conjugation . . . plasmid

Explanation:

The question requires the knowledge of pili and that pili are of two types: attachment and conjugation. Conjugation is a way that bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. In this process, a circular piece of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (plasmid) is exchanged through a conjugation pilus. Transformation is genetic alteration caused by direct uptake of naked genetic material from a bacteria's surroundings. A prophage is a bacteriophage that has inserted itself in the genome or plasmid of its host via the lysogenic cycle is latent. Transduction is the movement of genetic material due to bacteriophage that digest host DNA and accidentally package it inside their own capsids. These phage then go on to infect other bacteria, and insert the newly borrowed DNA into the new host cell's genome/plasmids. Translation is the process in which RNA (ribonucleic acid) is converted to protein.

Example Question #222 : Nclex

A tuberculosis skin test is given to a patient who is severely immunocompromised with a low CD4+ cell count. This test is considered positive if it is greater than __________.

Possible Answers:

10cm

5cm

1cm

5mm

10mm

Correct answer:

5mm

Explanation:

The TB skin test has different thresholds for positive values based on the size of induration. In an HIV-positive individual (low CD4+, immunocompromised), a test is considered positive if it is > 5 mm (not cm). A positive result takes 24 to 48 hours to reveal itself.

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