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

Albert's stain is used to demonstrate which of the following?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Metachromatic granules of Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Albert's stain shows the volutin (metachromatic) granules of C. diphtheriae, which appear bluish-black against a green background. The bacilli lie in Chinese-letter arrangements.

Option by option

  • A. Acid-fastness of Mycobacteria

    Acid-fastness is shown with Ziehl–Neelsen stain.

  • B. Spores of Clostridium

    Spores are shown with Dorner's or malachite green stain.

  • C. Capsule of Klebsiella

    Capsules are shown with negative staining such as India ink.

  • D. Metachromatic granules of Corynebacterium diphtheriae (correct)

    Correct.

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 D, Metachromatic granules of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Albert's stain shows the volutin (metachromatic) granules of C.

Why is "Acid-fastness of Mycobacteria" not the answer?

Acid-fastness is shown with Ziehl–Neelsen stain.

Why is "Spores of Clostridium" not the answer?

Spores are shown with Dorner's or malachite green stain.

Why is "Capsule of Klebsiella" not the answer?

Capsules are shown with negative staining such as India ink.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. diphtheriae, which appear bluish-black against a green background. The bacilli lie in Chinese-letter arrangements.

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.