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 does catalase testing distinguish?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Staphylococci from streptococci

Catalase testing detects hydrogen-peroxide breakdown; staphylococci are catalase positive whereas streptococci are generally negative.

Option by option

  • A. Gram positives from negatives

    Gram stain is used for that distinction.

  • B. Viruses from fungi

    It does not classify viruses and fungi.

  • C. Aerobes from anaerobes only

    It is not an oxygen-use test alone.

  • D. Staphylococci from streptococci (correct)

    Correct: it helps separate these cocci.

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, Staphylococci from streptococci. Catalase testing detects hydrogen-peroxide breakdown; staphylococci are catalase positive whereas streptococci are generally negative.

Why is "Gram positives from negatives" not the answer?

Gram stain is used for that distinction.

Why is "Viruses from fungi" not the answer?

It does not classify viruses and fungi.

Why is "Aerobes from anaerobes only" not the answer?

It is not an oxygen-use test alone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: it helps separate these cocci.

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.