Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What are one-celled microorganisms that can be disease-producing or non-disease producing called?

1. Viruses

2. Bacteria

3. Protozoa

4. Fungi

The correct answer is: Bacteria

One-celled microorganisms that can be either disease-producing or non-disease producing are classified as bacteria. Bacteria are an incredibly diverse group of microorganisms that exist in various environments and can have a wide range of effects on health. While some bacteria are pathogenic and can cause diseases, others are beneficial and play vital roles in processes such as digestion and fermentation. The options that mention viruses, protozoa, and fungi refer to different categories of microorganisms. Viruses are submicroscopic agents that require a host cell to reproduce and generally cause disease. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can often be pathogenic as well, but they are distinct from bacteria. Fungi include yeasts and molds, which can also cause infections, but they are not classified as bacteria. Thus, the term for one-celled microorganisms, able to be either harmful or helpful, is appropriately attributed to bacteria.