General microbiology and sterilisation: integrons: 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 · General microbiology and sterilisation: integrons

Sample item

A hospital Klebsiella isolate carries several resistance genes arranged in cassettes next to a site-specific recombinase, all expressed from one promoter. What is this genetic element?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Integron

Integrons capture gene cassettes by site-specific recombination through an integrase and express them from a common promoter, assembling multidrug resistance. Insertion sequences carry only their own transposase, F plasmids mediate conjugation, and temperate phages integrate by lysogeny.

Option by option

  • A. Temperate bacteriophage

    Temperate phages integrate their own genome and do not assemble resistance cassettes.

  • B. F plasmid

    The F plasmid encodes the sex pilus for conjugation.

  • C. Insertion sequence

    Insertion sequences are the simplest mobile elements and carry only transposase.

  • D. Integron (correct)

    Correct. Integrons capture and express resistance gene cassettes.

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.

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Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Integron. Integrons capture gene cassettes by site-specific recombination through an integrase and express them from a common promoter, assembling multidrug resistance.

Why is "Temperate bacteriophage" not the answer?

Temperate phages integrate their own genome and do not assemble resistance cassettes.

Why is "F plasmid" not the answer?

The F plasmid encodes the sex pilus for conjugation.

Why is "Insertion sequence" not the answer?

Insertion sequences are the simplest mobile elements and carry only transposase.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General microbiology and sterilisation: integrons in Microbiology. Insertion sequences carry only their own transposase, F plasmids mediate conjugation, and temperate phages integrate by lysogeny.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 General microbiology and sterilisation: integrons?

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.