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.

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Microbiology · Bacteriology

Sample item

What feature helps Bacillus anthracis persist in harsh conditions?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Spore formation

Bacillus anthracis forms hardy spores that persist in soil and resist adverse environmental conditions for long periods before infecting a host.

Option by option

  • A. Capsule only

    The capsule promotes virulence but is not the main persistence feature.

  • B. Flagella only

    B. anthracis is nonmotile, so flagella are not its key feature.

  • C. Spore formation (correct)

    Correct: spore formation provides environmental persistence.

  • D. Pili only

    Pili are not responsible for long-term spore survival.

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 C, Spore formation. Bacillus anthracis forms hardy spores that persist in soil and resist adverse environmental conditions for long periods before infecting a host.

Why is "Capsule only" not the answer?

The capsule promotes virulence but is not the main persistence feature.

Why is "Flagella only" not the answer?

B. anthracis is nonmotile, so flagella are not its key feature.

Why is "Pili only" not the answer?

Pili are not responsible for long-term spore survival.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: spore formation provides environmental persistence.

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.