Bacteriology: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Microbiology · Bacteriology

Sample item

What is the shape of Neisseria gonorrhoeae on microscopy?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Gram-negative diplococcus

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is classically a gram-negative diplococcus, often seen as kidney-shaped paired cocci within neutrophils in suitable specimens.

Option by option

  • A. Gram-negative diplococcus (correct)

    Correct: gonococcus is a gram-negative diplococcus.

  • B. Acid-fast bacillus

    Acid-fast bacilli suggest mycobacteria.

  • C. Spore-forming rod

    Spore-forming rods include Bacillus and Clostridium species.

  • D. Gram-positive coccal chain

    Gram-positive chains suggest streptococci.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is A, Gram-negative diplococcus. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is classically a gram-negative diplococcus, often seen as kidney-shaped paired cocci within neutrophils in suitable specimens.

Why is "Acid-fast bacillus" not the answer?

Acid-fast bacilli suggest mycobacteria.

Why is "Spore-forming rod" not the answer?

Spore-forming rods include Bacillus and Clostridium species.

Why is "Gram-positive coccal chain" not the answer?

Gram-positive chains suggest streptococci.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: gonococcus is a gram-negative diplococcus.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Bacteriology?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.