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 morphology describes Streptococcus pyogenes?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Gram-positive cocci in chains

Streptococcus pyogenes is a gram-positive coccus that forms chains and causes conditions such as pharyngitis, cellulitis, and invasive soft-tissue disease.

Option by option

  • A. Gram-positive cocci in chains (correct)

    Correct: streptococci typically form gram-positive chains.

  • B. Gram-negative diplococci

    Gram-negative diplococci include Neisseria species.

  • C. Spore-forming rod

    Spore-forming rods include Bacillus and Clostridium.

  • D. Acid-fast bacillus

    Acid-fast bacilli are characteristic of mycobacteria.

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 A, Gram-positive cocci in chains. Streptococcus pyogenes is a gram-positive coccus that forms chains and causes conditions such as pharyngitis, cellulitis, and invasive soft-tissue disease.

Why is "Gram-negative diplococci" not the answer?

Gram-negative diplococci include Neisseria species.

Why is "Spore-forming rod" not the answer?

Spore-forming rods include Bacillus and Clostridium.

Why is "Acid-fast bacillus" not the answer?

Acid-fast bacilli are characteristic of mycobacteria.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: streptococci typically form gram-positive chains.

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.