Name: ______________________________
Date: _____________________
Independent Practice: Bacteria
1. What do antibiotics kill? ________________________________________________________
2. What do antibiotics NOT kill? ____________________________________________________
3. Influenza infection can cause chills, sore throat, muscle aches, pain and fever. Influenza
cannot be controlled by antibiotics. Is Influenza a bacteria or a virus? _____________________
4. Streptococcus infection in a person’s throat can cause pain and fever. Streptococcus can be
controlled by antibiotics. Is Streptococcus a bacteria or a virus? _________________________
5. Small pox is an infectious disease which causes the patient’s body to be covered in small,
fluid-filled blisters. Small pox can be prevented with a vaccine, but it does not respond to
antibiotics. Is small pox a bacteria or a virus? _________________________
6. The common cold causes fever, congestion, headaches and a runny nose. While the
symptoms can be treated, the disease itself does not respond to antibiotics. Are colds caused
by bacteria or viruses? _________________________
7. Diphtheria is serious illness in which toxins deteriorate the myelin sheaths around nerve cells
which eventually leads to paralysis. Antitoxins can be used to counteract these affects and
antibiotics can be used to rid the body of any remaining parasites. Based on these facts, is
diphtheria caused by bacteria or viruses? ___________________
8. Warts are small tumors, typically on the hands and feet, which are caused by an infection.
They cannot be treated with antibiotics. Are warts caused by a bacterium or a virus?
_________________________
9. Cows and other ruminants are herbivorous animals. Their diet includes cellulose, which must
be fermented before it can be digested. Which of these aids in the fermentation of cellulose in
a cow’s digestive system?
F Bacteria
G Fungi
H Algae
J Viruses
2. Some antibiotics cause patients to exhibit digestive side effects. These side effects are most
often the result of —
F bacteria being killed in the digestive tract
G the antibiotics being converted into stomach acids
H too much water being drawn into the digestive tract
J the stomach wall being torn
8. Which of these conditions is caused by bacteria?
F AIDS
G Seasonal allergies
H Dental cavities
J Colds
3. Which organism lives in the human intestine and aids in the digestive process?
A The bacterium Escherichia coli
B The fungus Trichophyton rubrum
C The protozoan Entamoeba coli
D The algae Fucus vesiculosus
4. Some bacteria benefit mammals by helping with —
F growth
H digestion
G defense
J respiration
5. Which of the following factors helps spread disease-causing bacteria?
F Low temperatures
H Mutation by heat energy
G Access to new hosts
J Availability of light
6. Many species of bacteria can be found in the human mouth. Which of these explains the
great variety of bacteria in the mouth?
F Large volumes of air cause bacteria to change form.
G Salivary glands cause mutations in bacterial populations.
H The presence of nutrients makes the mouth a favorable habitat.
J Calcium in the teeth provides a suitable pH environment.
7. A study shows that 40% to 100% of raw poultry is contaminated by disease-causing bacteria.
Which of the following activities provides people the best protection from these bacteria?
F Rinsing dishes thoroughly
G Eating a balanced diet daily
H Visiting a doctor regularly
J Cooking foods properly
8. All of the following symptoms are likely associated with bacterial infection except —
F skin rashes or lesions
G elevated body temperature
H swollen glands or tissues
J increased red blood cell count
9. Streptococcus infection in a person’s throat can cause pain and fever. Streptococcus can be
controlled by antibiotics. Streptococcus is a —
F virus
G bacterium
H protozoan
J fungus
10. Which of the following explains why antibiotics can treat flu-like symptoms caused by
bacteria but are ineffective against flu?
A Flu is a response to an antigen.
B Antibiotics require time to work.
C Antibiotics strengthen antibodies.
D Flu is caused by a virus.
11. Which of these is a benefit of knowing whether a person with a respiratory infection has an
elevated level of this protein in the blood?
F A set of aerobic exercises can be recommended.
G A diet of essential nutrients can be recommended.
H A decision can be made about whether to take an x-ray.
J A decision can be made about whether to use antibiotics.
12. Which of the following conclusions is supported by the information above?
F Antibiotics have intensified the symptoms of M. tuberculosis infections.
G M. tuberculosis is becoming extinct because of antibiotics.
H Antibiotics have caused M. tuberculosis to reproduce at a faster rate.
J M. tuberculosis has developed resistance to antibiotics.
13. Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk. Some dairy products, such as yogurt,
may contain live bacteria. These products are useful to people who lack the ability to digest
lactose. What does this information demonstrate?
A Bacteria raise the acidity of processed foods.
B Some bacteria interfere with digestion.
C Bacteria can prevent insulin production.
D Some bacteria are beneficial to human health
14. Which of these actions helps protect people from bacteria that cause food poisoning?
A Thawing meat in the kitchen sink
B Freezing meat in plastic bags
C Cooking meat until well-done
D Slicing meat on a picnic table