← Class 12 Board Exam (HSC)
Tamil Nadu State Board · Microbiology

TAMIL NADU STATE BOARD CLASS 12 MICROBIOLOGY 2026

2026 · 48 questions · First 10 Solutions Free
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Q1 mcq 1 mark
__________ is an example for optical imaging technique.
a.
CLSM
b.
LCSM
c.
Both (a) and (b) Correct Answer
d.
TEM
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope) and LCSM refer to optical imaging techniques used to view specimens with light. TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) is not optical; it is an electron microscopy technique. Hence, both (a) and (b) are correct.
Q2 mcq 1 mark
Lens used in TEM is __________.
a.
Glass lenses
b.
Objective lens
c.
Condenser lenses
d.
Electromagnetic lens Correct Answer
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
In TEM, the lenses used are electromagnetic lenses. These lenses focus and direct the electron beam. Glass lenses cannot be used because TEM works with electrons, not visible light. Therefore, the correct answer is electromagnetic lens.
Q3 mcq 1 mark
__________ is used to prevent infection by killing or inhibiting pathogen growth on animal tissue.
a.
Disinfectant
b.
Bacteriostatic agent
c.
Antiseptic Correct Answer
d.
Sanitizer
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
An antiseptic is used on living tissues, such as animal or human tissue, to prevent infection by killing or inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Disinfectants are generally used on non-living surfaces, bacteriostatic agents only inhibit growth, and sanitizers reduce microbial load but are not specifically defined for living tissue. Hence, antiseptic is correct.
Q4 mcq 1 mark
Which one of the following is correct ?
a.
Apoenzyme + Holoenzyme = Coenzyme
b.
Apoenzyme + Cofactor = Holoenzyme Correct Answer
c.
Coenzyme + Cofactor = Holoenzyme
d.
Holoenzyme + Coenzyme = Apoenzyme
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
An apoenzyme is the protein part of an enzyme, and when it combines with its cofactor, it forms the active holoenzyme. Therefore, Apoenzyme + Cofactor = Holoenzyme. The other options are incorrect because a coenzyme is only one type of cofactor, not the result of combining apoenzyme and holoenzyme.
Q5 mcq 1 mark
The minimum value of $a_w$ for the growth of the micro organisms in foods should be around __________.
a.
0.78
b.
0.99
c.
0.50
d.
0.86 Correct Answer
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
The minimum water activity ($a_w$) generally required for the growth of microorganisms in foods is around 0.86. Most bacteria need higher $a_w$ values, while some yeasts and molds can grow at slightly lower values. Therefore, 0.86 is the correct answer.
Q6 mcq 1 mark
_________ metabolites are produced in small quantities during industrial production.
a.
Tertiary
b.
Secondary Correct Answer
c.
Neutral
d.
Primary
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
Secondary metabolites are produced in small quantities during industrial production. They are not directly essential for normal growth and reproduction but have important industrial and medicinal uses, such as antibiotics and pigments. Primary metabolites are produced in larger amounts and are essential for growth. Hence, secondary metabolites is correct.
Q7 mcq 1 mark
A gram-positive bacilli possessing metachromatic granules, showing Chinese letters arrangement are characteristic of :
a.
Bacillus anthracis
b.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Correct Answer
c.
Clostridium perfringens
d.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a gram-positive bacillus that shows metachromatic granules and a characteristic Chinese letters arrangement due to incomplete cell separation after division. Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium perfringens, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis do not show this typical arrangement. Therefore, the correct answer is Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Q8 mcq 1 mark
Flask shaped ulcers in human intestine are related to __________.
a.
Leishmania
b.
Giardiasis
c.
Chaga’s disease
d.
Amoebiasis Correct Answer
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
Flask-shaped ulcers in the human intestine are characteristic of amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica. The parasite invades the intestinal wall and produces these typical ulcers. Leishmania causes leishmaniasis, Giardia causes giardiasis, and Chagas' disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Hence, amoebiasis is correct.
Q9 mcq 1 mark
Diaper rash is caused by __________.
a.
Candidiasis Correct Answer
b.
Dermatophytes
c.
Cryptococcosis
d.
Histoplasmosis
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
Diaper rash is caused by candidiasis, an infection due to Candida, especially Candida albicans. It commonly affects moist skin areas covered by diapers. Dermatophytes cause ringworm infections, cryptococcosis is caused by Cryptococcus, and histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma.
Q10 mcq 1 mark
Cytomegalo viruses are also called as __________.
a.
Endocrine gland virus
b.
Salivary gland virus Correct Answer
c.
HIV
d.
Thymus gland virus
Step-by-Step AI Explanation
Verified Method
Cytomegaloviruses are also called salivary gland viruses because they commonly infect and enlarge the salivary glands. Hence, option (b) is correct. The other options are incorrect because CMV is not known as endocrine gland virus, HIV, or thymus gland virus.
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Q11 mcq 1 mark
In type II Hypersensitivity reaction, __________ is involved.
a.
IgM antibody
b.
IgG antibody
c.
IgE antibody
d.
IgG and IgM antibodies
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Q12 mcq 1 mark
The principal start codon corresponds to which amino acid ?
a.
Methionine
b.
Valine
c.
Isoleucine
d.
Arginine
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Q13 mcq
Match : (1) Staphylococcus aureus (i) arranged in chains (2) Streptococcus pyogenes (ii) diplococci (3) Neisseria meningitidis (iii) comma shaped (4) Vibrio cholerae (iv) bunch of grapes
a.
(1) - (ii), (2) - (iii), (3) - (iv), (4) - (i)
b.
(1) - (i), (2) - (ii), (3) - (iii), (4) - (iv)
c.
(1) - (iii), (2) - (iv), (3) - (i), (4) - (ii)
d.
(1) - (iv), (2) - (i), (3) - (ii), (4) - (iii)
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Q13 mcq 1 mark
Match : (1)Staphylococcus aureus (2)Streptococcus pyogenes (3)Neisseria meningitidis (4)Vibrio cholerae
a.
(1) - (ii), (2) - (iii), (3) - (iv), (4) - (i)
b.
(1) - (i), (2) - (ii), (3) - (iii), (4) - (iv)
c.
(1) - (iii), (2) - (iv), (3) - (i), (4) - (ii)
d.
(1) - (iv), (2) - (i), (3) - (ii), (4) - (iii)
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Q14 mcq
Statement (A): Facultative anaerobes can use fermentation under anaerobic condition and carry out aerobic respiration when oxygen is present. Statement (B): Fermentation reoxidizes NADH to $NAD^+$ by converting pyruvic acid into various organic acids.
a.
Statement (A) is false, (B) is true.
b.
Both Statement (A) and (B) are true.
c.
Both Statement (A) and (B) are false.
d.
Statement (A) is true, (B) is false.
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Q15 mcq
Which among the following is appropriate for secondary screening method ?
a.
Enrichment culture technique
b.
Crowded plate technique
c.
Giant colony technique
d.
Auxanography
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Q16 short answer
Write the components of PCM.
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Q17 short answer
Define the Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC).
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Q18 short answer
Define Chancre.
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Q19 short answer
Define Germtube.
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Q20 short answer
Give a short note on the Arbo Virus.
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Q21 short answer
What are vectors ? Give examples.
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Q22 short answer
Write any two bacterial food borne disease.
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Q23 short answer
What is Paratenic host ?
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Q24 short answer
Write any two methods of gene transfer.
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Q25 long answer
Write a brief account on the application of fluorescent microscopy.
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Q26 short answer
Write short notes on E-test.
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Q27 short answer
Write the differences between Catabolism and Anabolism.
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Q28 short answer
List out the sources of micro-organism in food.
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Q29 short answer
What is semi-synthetic penicillin ? Give an example.
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Q30 short answer
Write the prophylaxis for Diphtheria.
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Q31 short answer
Write about Arthus reaction.
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Q32 short answer
Explain Cosmids. Write the advantages of using it.
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Q33 long answer
Draw and label the Promastigote and Amastigote of Leishmania donovani.
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Q34 long answer
Explain in detail about monoclonal antibodies. OR Explain the steps involved in citric acid production.
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Q34 long answer 5 marks
(a) Explain in detail about monoclonal antibodies.
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Q34 long answer 5 marks
(b) Explain the steps involved in citric acid production.
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Q35 long answer
Name and explain the toxins and enzymes produced by Staphylococcus aureus. OR Explain the structure of Rabies virus with diagram.
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Q35 long answer 5 marks
(a) Name and explain the toxins and enzymes produced by Staphylococcus aureus.
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Q35 long answer 5 marks
(b) Explain the structure of Rabies virus with diagram.
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Q36 long answer
Explain about EMP Pathway. OR Elaborate on clinical features of histoplasmosis.
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Q36 long answer 5 marks
(b) Elaborate on clinical features of histoplasmosis.
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Q36 long answer 5 marks
(a) Explain about EMP Pathway.
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Q37 long answer
Tabula
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Q37 long answer 5 marks
(a) Tabulate the difference between bacillary dysentery and amoebic dysentery.
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Q37 long answer 5 marks
(b) What are the materials needed to amplify a segment of DNA using PCR ?
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Q38 long answer 5 marks
(a) Explain phenol coefficient test.
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Q38 long answer 5 marks
(b) Describe classification of food.
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