California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlEasy
A cosmetology instructor explains that a certain group of one-celled microorganisms, some of which are parasitic and can cause diseases such as amoebic dysentery, is a separate category from bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Which microorganism category is being described?
- AProtozoa
- BBacteria
- CFungi
- DViruses
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Protozoa
Protozoa are single-celled animal-like microorganisms, some of which are parasitic and pathogenic (e.g., amoebae). Bacteria, fungi, and viruses are distinct pathogen categories with different structures.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Bacteria are single-celled plant-like organisms, not classified as parasitic protozoa.
- C. Fungi include molds and yeasts, a different microorganism class.
- D. Viruses are not cellular organisms and cannot reproduce independently.
Protozoa
Single-celled, animal-like microorganisms; some species are parasitic and cause disease in humans.
- Not classified as bacteria, fungi, or viruses
- Some cause diseases like amoebic dysentery
- Rarely a salon infection-control concern but part of microorganism taxonomy
Memory trick: 'B-F-V-P': Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses, Protozoa — four pathogen families.