Question 1

Which of the following statements about phylogenetic trees is correct?

Accepted Answer

Nodes on a phylogenetic tree represent the most recent common ancestor of the descendant lineages.

Question 2

Which type of data is most commonly used to construct modern phylogenetic trees, and why?

Accepted Answer

Molecular data, such as DNA or protein sequences, because it allows for precise comparisons of genetic similarities and differences.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a shared feature that provides evidence for a single common ancestor among all life?

Accepted Answer

The use of peptidoglycan in cell walls

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the difference between Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while Archaea do not.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of Koch's postulates for establishing that a microorganism causes a particular disease?

Accepted Answer

The microorganism must be able to survive outside the host for at least 24 hours.

Question 6

A hospital patient develops a persistent infection on a catheter that is difficult to treat with antibiotics. Which bacterial adaptation is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Biofilm formation

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why some bacteria are pathogenic?

Accepted Answer

They possess genes that encode for virulence factors, such as toxins or mechanisms for invasion.

Question 8

What is the primary difference between invasiveness and toxigenicity in pathogenic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Invasiveness refers to the ability to enter and multiply within host tissues, while toxigenicity refers to the ability to produce toxins that damage the host.

Question 9

Which group of bacteria is known for producing endospores, and what is the main function of endospores?

Accepted Answer

Firmicutes; endospores allow survival in harsh conditions.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about antibiotics is correct?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and are produced by some bacteria and fungi.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a beneficial relationship between bacteria and humans?

Accepted Answer

Gut bacteria synthesize vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a role played by prokaryotes in element cycling?

Accepted Answer

Production of peptidoglycan

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a traditional characteristic used to classify bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Presence of mitochondria

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a method by which prokaryotes exchange genetic information?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 15

Lateral gene transfer can lead to incorrect gene trees because:

Accepted Answer

Genes may be transferred between unrelated species, making gene histories different from organismal histories.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about Gram staining is correct?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan and retain the crystal violet stain.

Question 17

All living organisms require two fundamental nutritional needs. What are they?

Accepted Answer

A source of carbon and a source of energy

Question 18

How many of the six processes that bacteria and archaea use to produce ATP and obtain carbon building blocks are also used by eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Three

Question 19

What was the 'oxygen revolution' and which organisms were primarily responsible for it?

Accepted Answer

A period when oxygen levels rose dramatically in Earth's atmosphere, primarily due to cyanobacteria performing photosynthesis.

Question 20

Which of the following is a major group of Archaea and is known for living in extremely salty environments?

Accepted Answer

Halophiles

Chapter 26 Study Guide – College Biology: Prokaryotes, Phylogeny, and Domains of Life

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