Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of pathogenic bacteria?

1. Causes disease

2. Single-celled

3. Multicellular

4. Requires a host

The correct answer is: Multicellular

Pathogenic bacteria are defined by their ability to cause disease, their structure as single-celled organisms, and their need for a host in order to thrive and reproduce. Option C identifies multicellular organisms, which does not apply to pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria, including those that are pathogenic, are classified as single-celled organisms, meaning they consist of only one cell. This characteristic is fundamental to their classification, as it distinguishes them from multicellular organisms, such as animals or plants. Additionally, pathogenic bacteria often require a host to survive and replicate, which relates to their ability to cause infections or diseases. Thus, recognizing that pathogenic bacteria are primarily single-celled organisms directly supports the understanding of their characteristics and their role in causing diseases.