Texas Class A Barber Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyEasy
Which of the following describes the function of pathogenic bacteria?
- ACausing disease or infection.
- BProducing antibiotics.
- CBreaking down dead organic matter.
- DConverting nitrogen into compounds plants can use.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Causing disease or infection.
Pathogenic bacteria are a specific type of bacteria that are harmful and capable of causing disease or infection in humans, animals, or plants. This is a fundamental concept in bacteriology relevant to infection control.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Some bacteria produce antibiotics, but this is not the defining characteristic of pathogenic bacteria.
- C. This describes saprophytes, which are beneficial bacteria.
- D. This describes nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which are beneficial.
Pathogenic Bacteria
Harmful microorganisms capable of causing disease or infection in a host organism.
- Responsible for various diseases (e.g., strep throat, staph infections).
- Can be transmitted through various routes (e.g., air, contact, contaminated surfaces).
- Control measures are essential in barbershops to prevent their spread.
Memory trick: Good bugs help, bad bugs hurt.