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Topics / Sci & Tech

Microbiology

Asked 14 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1997 · last asked 2025

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All 14 questions

Newest first — expand for options, answers, and explanations

Consider the following statements: I. No virus can survive in ocean waters. II. No virus can infect bacteria. III. No virus can change the cellular transcriptional activity in host cells. How many of the statements given above are correct?

2025Sci & Tech
AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll the three
D

Explanation

Viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages, which disprove the statement that no virus can infect bacteria. Some viruses, like bacteriophages, can indeed change the cellular transcriptional activity in host cells, contradicting the statement that no virus can do so. Additionally, certain viruses known as marine viruses can survive in ocean waters, refuting the claim that no virus can survive in ocean waters.

Consider the following statements: 1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water. 2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water. 3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. How many of the above statements are correct?

2023Sci & Tech
AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll three
D

Explanation

Some microorganisms, known as extremophiles, have adapted to survive and grow in extreme environments. They can thrive in conditions such as high temperatures above the boiling point of water, low temperatures below the freezing point of water, and highly acidic environments with a pH below 3. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making option (b) Only two the correct choice.

Consider the following statements: 1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues. 2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces. 3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2022Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that can form on various surfaces, including medical implants within human tissues and food processing surfaces. These biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance, making them challenging to eradicate. Therefore, all three statements are correct as biofilms can form in these different environments and display antibiotic resistance.

Consider the following statements: 1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes 2. Common cold is sometimes caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2021Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Adenoviruses possess double-stranded DNA genomes, while retroviruses contain single-stranded RNA genomes. Adenoviruses can lead to the common cold, while retroviruses such as HIV cause AIDS. Therefore, the correct statement is that only statement 2 is accurate.

Consider the following: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus. Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

2021Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1 2 and 3

Explanation

Bacteria and fungi can be cultured in artificial or synthetic mediums for laboratory studies and research purposes. This is because they are living organisms that can grow and multiply in controlled environments outside their natural habitats. Viruses, on the other hand, require a host cell to replicate and cannot be cultured in artificial mediums alone.

Consider the following: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus. Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

2020Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In the context of artificial medium culture, bacteria and fungi are capable of being cultured. In contrast, viruses necessitate living cells for their replication. This means that only options 1 and 2, or (a), can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium.

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy. 2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. 3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

2016Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In the field of Biology, the correct statement is that viruses do not have the enzymes required to produce energy. They cannot be grown in synthetic mediums as they rely on living cells for replication. Furthermore, viruses can be transmitted through various methods, not just by biological vectors.

Consider the following statements: 1. Some microorganisms can grow in 0°C temperature 2. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment 3. Some microorganisms can grow in salt concentrations of 30% Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2013Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Certain microorganisms known as extremophiles have the capability to thrive in extreme environments such as freezing temperatures, highly acidic conditions, and high salt concentrations. This means that some microorganisms can indeed grow in 0°C temperature, highly acidic environments, and salt concentrations of 30%. Therefore, all three statements given in the question are correct, making option (d) - 1, 2, and 3 - the correct answer.

Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Flowering plants. Some species of which of the above kinds of organisms are employed as biopesticides?

2012Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

All three kinds of organisms - bacteria, fungi, and flowering plants - are used as biopesticides.

Bird flu is caused by

2007Sci & Tech
AH1N1 virus
BH5N1 virus
CBacteria
DFungus

Explanation

Bird flu, also known as Avian influenza, is caused by the H5N1 virus strain.

Mad Cow Disease is caused by

2003Sci & Tech
AVirus
BBacteria
CFungus
DPrion

Explanation

Mad Cow Disease, also known as BSE, is caused by prions, which are infectious protein particles.

Mad cow disease is caused by an infective agent which consists of

2003Sci & Tech
ARNA covered by a protein coat
BDNA covered by a protein coat
CProtein devoid of any nucleic acid
DFree DNA

Explanation

Mad cow disease is triggered by prions, which are infectious proteins that do not contain nucleic acids.

Which one of the following statements is correct?

2002Sci & Tech
APrions are the smallest free-living cells
BThe cell wall of Mycoplasma is made up of amino sugars
CViroids consist of single-stranded RNA molecule
DRickettsias lack cell wall

Explanation

Viroids are composed of single-stranded RNA molecules and do not have a protein coat.

Which one of the following type of micro organisms is most widely used in industries?

1997Sci & Tech
ABacteria
BBacteria and fungi
CBacteria and algae
DBacteria, microalgae and fungi

Explanation

Microorganisms such as bacteria, microalgae, and fungi play a significant role in various industries for processes like fermentation and the production of antibiotics and enzymes. They are extensively utilized in these sectors due to their versatility and effectiveness.