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 is the significance of beta-haemolysis on blood agar?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Complete lysis of red blood cells

Beta-haemolysis produces a clear zone around bacterial colonies from complete red-cell lysis and helps classify some streptococci.

Option by option

  • A. No effect on red cells

    No haemolysis is gamma pattern.

  • B. Complete lysis of red blood cells (correct)

    Correct: complete haemolysis creates clearing.

  • C. Partial green discolouration only

    Green partial change is alpha haemolysis.

  • D. Fungal spore formation

    Spores are not described by blood-agar haemolysis.

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, Complete lysis of red blood cells. Beta-haemolysis produces a clear zone around bacterial colonies from complete red-cell lysis and helps classify some streptococci.

Why is "No effect on red cells" not the answer?

No haemolysis is gamma pattern.

Why is "Partial green discolouration only" not the answer?

Green partial change is alpha haemolysis.

Why is "Fungal spore formation" not the answer?

Spores are not described by blood-agar haemolysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: complete haemolysis creates clearing.

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.