Question 1

Alcohols are used for
A) sterilization.
B) antisepsis.
C) disinfection.
D) both sterilization and disinfection.
E) both antisepsis and disinfection.

Accepted Answer

Alcohols are commonly used for both antisepsis (on living tissues) and disinfection (on non-living surfaces) due to their ability to kill or inactivate many types of microorganisms.

Question 2

Which of the following procedures is currently the standard test used in the United States for evaluating the efficiency of antiseptics and disinfectants?
A) phenol coefficient
B) in-use test
C) microbial death rate
D) use-dilution test
E) thermal death point

Accepted Answer

The use-dilution test is the standard method used in the United States to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfectants and antiseptics. It involves applying the disinfectant to a surface and then testing its ability to kill specific bacteria.

Question 3

Honey can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time because it
A) is highly acidic.
B) is hypertonic.
C) is a natural surfactant.
D) contains oxidizing agents.
E) contains lysozyme.

Accepted Answer

Honey is hypertonic, meaning it has a high sugar concentration, which creates an environment that is inhospitable to most bacteria and fungi, thus preventing spoilage.

Question 4

The heavy metal compound is used as a preservative in some vaccines.
A) zinc oxide
B) copper sulfate
C) silver nitrate
D) hexachlorophene
E) thimerosal

Accepted Answer

Thimerosal is a mercury-containing compound used as a preservative in some vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination.

Question 5

Hydrogen peroxide is NOT an effective antiseptic because
A) it evaporates too quickly.
B) exposure to light rapidly degrades it.
C) the catalase present in skin cells degrades it.
D) it is only effective on a small number of fungi.
E) it is mostly water.

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen peroxide is broken down by the enzyme catalase, which is present in skin cells, reducing its effectiveness as an antiseptic.

Question 6

The chemical agents known as ʺquatsʺ are used for
A) quantifying antimicrobial activity.
B) disinfection.
C) antisepsis.
D) sterilization.
E) neither antisepsis nor disinfection.

Accepted Answer

Quats, or quaternary ammonium compounds, are commonly used as disinfectants due to their ability to kill bacteria and some viruses on surfaces.

Question 7

Which of the following is a sterilizing agent?
A) ozone
B) peracetic acid
C) hydrogen peroxide
D) dish soap
E) ozone and hydrogen peroxide

Accepted Answer

Peracetic acid is a well-known sterilizing agent used in various applications, including medical and food industries, due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Question 8

Formaldehyde must be handled with greater care than gluteraldehyde because it is
A) far more reactive.
B) a carcinogenic gas.
C) an odorless gas.
D) carcinogenic.
E) a gas.

Accepted Answer

Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic gas, which makes it more hazardous and requires careful handling compared to gluteraldehyde.

Question 9

The use of lysozyme during the preparation of cheeses and wines is effective in reducing the numbers of
A) viruses.
B) bacteria.
C) prions.
D) fungi.
E) all microbes.

Accepted Answer

Lysozyme is an enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls, thus it is effective in reducing the numbers of bacteria.

Question 10

The process of incineration is used for
A) disinfection.
B) sterilization.
C) sanitization.
D) degerming.
E) both disinfection and sanitization.

Accepted Answer

Incineration is a method of sterilization that involves burning materials to destroy all microorganisms, including spores.

Question 11

Which of the following would be used to sterilize a mattress?
A) ethylene oxide
B) formaldehyde
C) radiation
D) heavy metals
E) autoclaving

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following would be used...

Question 12

Desiccation is primarily effective against
A) enveloped viruses.
B) vegetative bacteria.
C) nonenveloped viruses.
D) vegetative fungi.
E) bacterial endospores.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Desiccation is primarily effective against
A) enveloped viruses.
B)...

Question 13

The endospores of which of the following microbes are used to measure the effectiveness of autoclave sterilization?
A) Neisseria gonorrhoeae
B) Mycobacterium bovis
C) Bacillus stearothermophilus
D) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
E) Clostridium botulinum

Accepted Answer

Bacillus stearothermophilus endospores are highly resistant to heat, making them ideal for testing the effectiveness of autoclave sterilization.

Question 14

What factors need to be considered when choosing a method of microbial control?
A) the site and the environment to be treated
B) the environment of the site or material to be treated
C) the susceptibility of the microbes which must be removed
D) the site or material to be treated
E) the site and environment to be treated, and the susceptibility of the microbes

Accepted Answer

When choosing a method of microbial control, it is important to consider the site and environment to be treated, as well as the susceptibility of the microbes, to ensure effective and appropriate control measures.

Question 15

Disinfecting agents naturally produced by microorganisms are
A) quats.
B) halogens.
C) triclosans.
D) aldehydes.
E) antimicrobials.

Accepted Answer

Antimicrobials are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms and can be naturally produced by microorganisms themselves, such as antibiotics.

Question 16

Which of the following antimicrobial agents is the most toxic to humans?
A) chloramines
B) quats
C) 70% alcohol
D) iodophors
E) ethylene oxide

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide is a potent sterilizing agent but is highly toxic to humans, causing irritation and potential carcinogenic effects.

Question 17

The phenolic is present in many consumer products labeled ʺantibacterial.ʺ
A) hydrogen peroxide
B) calcium hypochlorite
C) ethylene oxide
D) formaldehyde
E) triclosan

Accepted Answer

Triclosan is a phenolic compound commonly used in consumer products for its antibacterial properties.

Question 18

A researcher has discovered a new metabolic product of a fungus that may have antimicrobial properties. Which method would be best for preparing the material for tests of its effect on bacteria?
A) filtration
B) dilution with alcohol
C) lyophilization
D) ultraviolet irradiation
E) autoclaving

Accepted Answer

The answer of A researcher has discovered a new metabolic...

Question 19

Which statement about quaternary ammonium compounds is CORRECT?
A) They are a type of halogen.
B) They inhibit enzyme function.
C) They function by cross-linking proteins.
D) They are carcinogenic.
E) They are not effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which statement about quaternary ammonium compounds is...

Question 20

Disinfectants that damage membranes include
A) iodine.
B) alcohols.
C) hydrogen peroxide.
D) phenolics.
E) both alcohols and phenolics.

Accepted Answer

Alcohols and phenolics both disrupt microbial cell membranes, leading to cell damage and death.

Quiz 9: Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment

Alcohols are used for

Which of the following procedures is currently the standard test used in the United States for evaluating the efficiency of antiseptics and disinfectants?

Honey can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time because it

The heavy metal compound is used as a preservative in some vaccines.

Hydrogen peroxide is NOT an effective antiseptic because

The chemical agents known as ʺquatsʺ are used for

Which of the following is a sterilizing agent?

Formaldehyde must be handled with greater care than gluteraldehyde because it is

The use of lysozyme during the preparation of cheeses and wines is effective in reducing the numbers of

The process of incineration is used for

Which of the following would be used to sterilize a mattress?

Desiccation is primarily effective against

The endospores of which of the following microbes are used to measure the effectiveness of autoclave sterilization?

What factors need to be considered when choosing a method of microbial control?

Disinfecting agents naturally produced by microorganisms are

Which of the following antimicrobial agents is the most toxic to humans?

The phenolic is present in many consumer products labeled ʺantibacterial.ʺ

A researcher has discovered a new metabolic product of a fungus that may have antimicrobial properties. Which method would be best for preparing the material for tests of its effect on bacteria?

Which statement about quaternary ammonium compounds is CORRECT?

Disinfectants that damage membranes include