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

Which feature enables encapsulated bacteria to resist phagocytosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Polysaccharide capsule

A bacterial capsule impairs opsonization and phagocytosis, making it an important virulence factor for organisms such as pneumococcus.

Option by option

  • A. Flagellar motility only

    Flagella aid movement, not primary phagocytosis resistance.

  • B. Polysaccharide capsule (correct)

    Correct: capsule reduces effective host phagocytosis.

  • C. Ribosomal subunits

    Ribosomes synthesize protein.

  • D. Cytoplasmic glycogen

    Glycogen storage is not a capsule function.

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, Polysaccharide capsule. A bacterial capsule impairs opsonization and phagocytosis, making it an important virulence factor for organisms such as pneumococcus.

Why is "Flagellar motility only" not the answer?

Flagella aid movement, not primary phagocytosis resistance.

Why is "Ribosomal subunits" not the answer?

Ribosomes synthesize protein.

Why is "Cytoplasmic glycogen" not the answer?

Glycogen storage is not a capsule function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: capsule reduces effective host phagocytosis.

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.