WGU Clinical Microbiology Final Exam Study
Set- WGU Exam Study Guide – Complete
Questions with Correct Detailed Answers |
Latest Updated Version
Prepare effectively for your Western Governors University (WGU) exams with this
comprehensive and well-organized study guide. This resource contains complete exam
questions with correct and detailed answers, designed to help students understand key
concepts and successfully prepare for their WGU assessments.
WGU courses follow a competency-based learning model, meaning students must
demonstrate a strong understanding of course objectives before passing their assessments.
This study guide helps simplify the process by providing structured questions and accurate
explanations that reinforce important topics and improve exam readiness.
What This Study Guide Includes
✔ Complete exam questions covering key WGU course competencies
✔ Correct answers with clear and detailed explanations
✔ Organized format for quick and effective revision
✔ Coverage of commonly tested concepts in WGU assessments
✔ Latest updated version for reliable exam preparation
Why This Study Guide Is Helpful
This resource is designed to help students review faster, understand concepts more clearly,
and build confidence before taking WGU Objective Assessments (OA). Practicing with
structured questions and reviewing detailed answers helps strengthen knowledge and
improve test-taking skills.
Ideal For
,• WGU Objective Assessment (OA) preparation
• Midterm and final exam review
• Self-paced study and revision
• Practicing exam-style questions
• Strengthening understanding of course competencies
A valuable study resource designed to support WGU students in preparing effectively and
performing confidently in their exams.
Bacteria -answer Single-celled organism that do not have a cell nucleus and the
membrane-enclosed intracellular structures found in most other cells (Prokaryotic cell).
Gram-positive Bacteria -answer Thick layer of peptidoglycan (20-80nm across). The
peptidoglycan layer is closely attached to the outer surface of the cell membrane. Retains
crystal violet stains. Lack an outer membrane and a periplasmic space.
Gram-negative Bacteria -answer Cell wall is thinner, but more complex. Only 10-20%
peptidoglycan. Contains an outer membrane, leaving a very narrow periplasmic space. Does not
retain crystal violet stain because of large quantities of lipoproteins and lipopolysaccharides
(endotoxin).
Acid-fast Bacteria -answer Cell wall is thick, but consists of 60% lipids. Lipids make
acid-fast organisms impermeable to most other stains and protect them from acids and alkalis.
Stain as gram-positive. Grow slowly because the lipids impeded entry of nutrients.
Endotoxin -answer Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Part of the outer membrane of the cell
wall of gram-negative bacteria. It can cause fever and dilates blood vessels- causing BP to drop.
Bacteria typically release this when they are dying, so killing them increases the concentration
of this toxic substance. Antibiotics given late in the infection can cause worsening of symptoms
or even death.
,Wall-deficient Bacteria -answer Protected by a strengthened cell membrane that
contains sterols. Example: mycobacterium paratuberculosis with Crohn's disease- a chronic
disorder of the intestine.
Coccus -answer Sphere shaped bacteria
Coccobacillus -answer Short rod shaped bacteria (between cocci and bacilli)
Vibrio -answer Comma shaped bacteria
Bacillus -answer Rod shaped bacteria
Spirillum -answer Rigid, wavy shaped bacteria
Spirochete -answer Corkscrew shape bacteria
Function of cell membrane -answer To regulate movement of materials into and out
of the cell by transport mechanisms. It synthesizes cell wall components, assists with DNA
replication, secretes proteins, carries on respiration, and captures energy as ATP.
Function of the cell wall -answer Helps maintain the characteristic shape of the cell
and prevents the cell from bursting when fluids flow into the cell by osmosis. Lies outside the
cell membrane.
Peptidoglycan -answer Single most important component of the bacterial cell wall.
, Capsule -answer Discrete layer of polysaccharides that protects the cell. Promotes
infection by protecting the bacterial cell from engulfment by predatory protozoa or WBC
(phagocytes). Also mediates adherence of cells to surfaces.
Pili -answer Tiny, hallow projections that are used to attach bacteria to surfaces. Are
NOT involved in movement. Promote infection by transferring DNA amount bacteria- which in
turn can transfer antibiotic resistance. Can adhere to RBC and cause blood cells to clump.
Flagella -answer Long, thin, helical appendages that allow bacteria to move.
Endospore -answer Helps the organism survive, and is not a means of reproduction.
They are formed within the cells, contain very little water and are highly resistant to heat,
drying, acids, bases, certain disinfectants, and even radiation. They are capable of surviving
adverse environmental conditions for long periods of time.
Chemotaxis -answer Process of bacteria moving toward or away from substances in
their environment. Towards- positive, Away- Negative.
Bacteria that produce spores -answer Bacillus, Clostridium
Helminths -answer Worm-like organisms living in and feeding on live hosts, receiving
nourishment and protection while disrupting their hosts' nutrient absorption, causing weakness
and disease. Example: Flukes, tapeworms, adult round-worms of intestine, and roundworm
larvae.
Zygomycota -answer Bread molds
Ascomycota -answer Sac fungi. Yeasts. Replication by sexual reproduction.
Set- WGU Exam Study Guide – Complete
Questions with Correct Detailed Answers |
Latest Updated Version
Prepare effectively for your Western Governors University (WGU) exams with this
comprehensive and well-organized study guide. This resource contains complete exam
questions with correct and detailed answers, designed to help students understand key
concepts and successfully prepare for their WGU assessments.
WGU courses follow a competency-based learning model, meaning students must
demonstrate a strong understanding of course objectives before passing their assessments.
This study guide helps simplify the process by providing structured questions and accurate
explanations that reinforce important topics and improve exam readiness.
What This Study Guide Includes
✔ Complete exam questions covering key WGU course competencies
✔ Correct answers with clear and detailed explanations
✔ Organized format for quick and effective revision
✔ Coverage of commonly tested concepts in WGU assessments
✔ Latest updated version for reliable exam preparation
Why This Study Guide Is Helpful
This resource is designed to help students review faster, understand concepts more clearly,
and build confidence before taking WGU Objective Assessments (OA). Practicing with
structured questions and reviewing detailed answers helps strengthen knowledge and
improve test-taking skills.
Ideal For
,• WGU Objective Assessment (OA) preparation
• Midterm and final exam review
• Self-paced study and revision
• Practicing exam-style questions
• Strengthening understanding of course competencies
A valuable study resource designed to support WGU students in preparing effectively and
performing confidently in their exams.
Bacteria -answer Single-celled organism that do not have a cell nucleus and the
membrane-enclosed intracellular structures found in most other cells (Prokaryotic cell).
Gram-positive Bacteria -answer Thick layer of peptidoglycan (20-80nm across). The
peptidoglycan layer is closely attached to the outer surface of the cell membrane. Retains
crystal violet stains. Lack an outer membrane and a periplasmic space.
Gram-negative Bacteria -answer Cell wall is thinner, but more complex. Only 10-20%
peptidoglycan. Contains an outer membrane, leaving a very narrow periplasmic space. Does not
retain crystal violet stain because of large quantities of lipoproteins and lipopolysaccharides
(endotoxin).
Acid-fast Bacteria -answer Cell wall is thick, but consists of 60% lipids. Lipids make
acid-fast organisms impermeable to most other stains and protect them from acids and alkalis.
Stain as gram-positive. Grow slowly because the lipids impeded entry of nutrients.
Endotoxin -answer Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Part of the outer membrane of the cell
wall of gram-negative bacteria. It can cause fever and dilates blood vessels- causing BP to drop.
Bacteria typically release this when they are dying, so killing them increases the concentration
of this toxic substance. Antibiotics given late in the infection can cause worsening of symptoms
or even death.
,Wall-deficient Bacteria -answer Protected by a strengthened cell membrane that
contains sterols. Example: mycobacterium paratuberculosis with Crohn's disease- a chronic
disorder of the intestine.
Coccus -answer Sphere shaped bacteria
Coccobacillus -answer Short rod shaped bacteria (between cocci and bacilli)
Vibrio -answer Comma shaped bacteria
Bacillus -answer Rod shaped bacteria
Spirillum -answer Rigid, wavy shaped bacteria
Spirochete -answer Corkscrew shape bacteria
Function of cell membrane -answer To regulate movement of materials into and out
of the cell by transport mechanisms. It synthesizes cell wall components, assists with DNA
replication, secretes proteins, carries on respiration, and captures energy as ATP.
Function of the cell wall -answer Helps maintain the characteristic shape of the cell
and prevents the cell from bursting when fluids flow into the cell by osmosis. Lies outside the
cell membrane.
Peptidoglycan -answer Single most important component of the bacterial cell wall.
, Capsule -answer Discrete layer of polysaccharides that protects the cell. Promotes
infection by protecting the bacterial cell from engulfment by predatory protozoa or WBC
(phagocytes). Also mediates adherence of cells to surfaces.
Pili -answer Tiny, hallow projections that are used to attach bacteria to surfaces. Are
NOT involved in movement. Promote infection by transferring DNA amount bacteria- which in
turn can transfer antibiotic resistance. Can adhere to RBC and cause blood cells to clump.
Flagella -answer Long, thin, helical appendages that allow bacteria to move.
Endospore -answer Helps the organism survive, and is not a means of reproduction.
They are formed within the cells, contain very little water and are highly resistant to heat,
drying, acids, bases, certain disinfectants, and even radiation. They are capable of surviving
adverse environmental conditions for long periods of time.
Chemotaxis -answer Process of bacteria moving toward or away from substances in
their environment. Towards- positive, Away- Negative.
Bacteria that produce spores -answer Bacillus, Clostridium
Helminths -answer Worm-like organisms living in and feeding on live hosts, receiving
nourishment and protection while disrupting their hosts' nutrient absorption, causing weakness
and disease. Example: Flukes, tapeworms, adult round-worms of intestine, and roundworm
larvae.
Zygomycota -answer Bread molds
Ascomycota -answer Sac fungi. Yeasts. Replication by sexual reproduction.
