NCLEX : Bacterial Physiology
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Bacterial Physiology
A synthetic protein is created inside a bacterium from an introduced RNA strand. Which method does the bacterium employ to create the desired protein?
Transduction
Transcription
Translation
Replication
Translation
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 #12 : Bacterial Physiology
Pili allow for the movement of genetic material between sister bacteria by a process known as __________, which allows for the passage of (a) __________?
translation . . . protein
transduction . . . prophage
conjugation . . . plasmid
transformation . . . naked DNA
conjugation . . . plasmid
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 #13 : Bacterial Physiology
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 __________.
5mm
5cm
10mm
10cm
1cm
5mm
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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