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 bacterial structure is targeted by beta-lactam antibiotics?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Peptidoglycan cell wall

Beta-lactam drugs bind penicillin-binding proteins and inhibit peptidoglycan cross-linking, weakening the bacterial cell wall during growth.

Option by option

  • A. Viral capsid

    Viral capsids are not beta-lactam targets.

  • B. Fungal ergosterol

    Ergosterol is a fungal membrane component.

  • C. Ribosomal RNA

    Ribosomal targets are used by several protein-synthesis inhibitors.

  • D. Peptidoglycan cell wall (correct)

    Correct: beta-lactams disrupt peptidoglycan cell-wall synthesis.

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, Peptidoglycan cell wall. Beta-lactam drugs bind penicillin-binding proteins and inhibit peptidoglycan cross-linking, weakening the bacterial cell wall during growth.

Why is "Viral capsid" not the answer?

Viral capsids are not beta-lactam targets.

Why is "Fungal ergosterol" not the answer?

Ergosterol is a fungal membrane component.

Why is "Ribosomal RNA" not the answer?

Ribosomal targets are used by several protein-synthesis inhibitors.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: beta-lactams disrupt peptidoglycan cell-wall synthesis.

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.