A child goes to the pediatrician with a sore throat. The pediatrician swabs the throat and places the swab in an acellular culture medium. No pathogens are seen in the culture, even under a light microscope. The pathogen may be a:
A. bacterium
B. fungus
C. virus
D. parasitic worm
Click for Explanation
Bacteria, fungus, and parasitic worms could all be seen under the light microscope. Viruses cannot be seen under light microscopes, and require tissue-culture or cellular growth medium in order to reproduce.
A) bacterium, incorrect, Bacteria can be seen with light microscope with a size on the order of microns.
B) fungus, incorrect, Fungus and yeast can be seen with the light microscope.
C) virus, correct, Virus particles have size on the order of nanometers making them undetectable with the light microscope.
D) parasitic worm, incorrect, Parasitic worms are eukaryotes with sizes of many microns up to centimeters in size.
Want more MCAT practice?
We’ve got options for every schedule and learning style!
From the best online MCAT course created by top instructors with 524+ MCAT scores to the most representative full-length practice exams and private tutoring, we can custom tailor your MCAT prep to your goals!
Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a free MCAT consultation with an MCAT expert using the form below. No obligation, just expert advice.
Related Posts
Search the Blog
Free Consultation
Interested in our Online MCAT Course, One-on-One MCAT Tutoring or Med admissions packages? Set up a free consultation with one of our experienced Senior Student Advisors.
Schedule NowPopular Posts
-
-
MCAT Blog What's on the MCAT? -
-
-
MCAT Blog How to Review MCAT Full Lengths
Free MCAT Practice Account
Need great MCAT practice?Get the most representative MCAT practice possible when you sign up for our free MCAT Account, which includes a half-length diagnostic exam and one of our full-length MCAT practice exams.
Learn More