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 test identifies catalase production by bacteria?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Bubble formation with hydrogen peroxide

Catalase breaks hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, producing visible bubbles when hydrogen peroxide is applied to a bacterial colony.

Option by option

  • A. Latex agglutination only

    Latex agglutination detects selected antigens or antibodies.

  • B. Bubble formation with hydrogen peroxide (correct)

    Correct: catalase produces oxygen bubbles with hydrogen peroxide.

  • C. Iodine color change

    Iodine reactions are used for other biochemical tests.

  • D. Growth on blood agar only

    Blood agar alone does not specifically test catalase.

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 B, Bubble formation with hydrogen peroxide. Catalase breaks hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, producing visible bubbles when hydrogen peroxide is applied to a bacterial colony.

Why is "Latex agglutination only" not the answer?

Latex agglutination detects selected antigens or antibodies.

Why is "Iodine color change" not the answer?

Iodine reactions are used for other biochemical tests.

Why is "Growth on blood agar only" not the answer?

Blood agar alone does not specifically test catalase.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: catalase produces oxygen bubbles with hydrogen peroxide.

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.