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 main mechanism of tetanus toxin?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Blocks inhibitory neurotransmitter release

Tetanus toxin blocks release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA and glycine, producing disinhibited motor neuron activity and spastic paralysis.

Option by option

  • A. Causes secretory diarrhea

    Secretory diarrhea is typical of cholera toxin.

  • B. Blocks inhibitory neurotransmitter release (correct)

    Correct: loss of inhibitory signaling produces tetanic spasm.

  • C. Destroys red cells

    Red-cell destruction is not tetanus toxin's mechanism.

  • D. Inhibits folate synthesis

    Folate synthesis inhibition is an antimicrobial drug mechanism.

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, Blocks inhibitory neurotransmitter release. Tetanus toxin blocks release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA and glycine, producing disinhibited motor neuron activity and spastic paralysis.

Why is "Causes secretory diarrhea" not the answer?

Secretory diarrhea is typical of cholera toxin.

Why is "Destroys red cells" not the answer?

Red-cell destruction is not tetanus toxin's mechanism.

Why is "Inhibits folate synthesis" not the answer?

Folate synthesis inhibition is an antimicrobial drug mechanism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: loss of inhibitory signaling produces tetanic spasm.

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.