Question 1

Which of the following is a key structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus, while eukaryotes possess a nucleus.

Question 2

Which component is unique to the cell walls of most bacteria and is targeted by many antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan

Question 3

Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria differ primarily in which structural feature?

Accepted Answer

Thickness and complexity of the peptidoglycan layer in the cell wall

Question 4

A bacterium is found to survive boiling temperatures and extreme dryness. Which structure most likely allows this survival?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 5

Which appendage allows bacteria to adhere to surfaces and to each other, but is NOT involved in motility?

Accepted Answer

Fimbriae

Question 6

Which process describes the way most prokaryotes reproduce?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 7

Why do prokaryotes evolve rapidly despite having low mutation rates?

Accepted Answer

They have short generation times and reproduce quickly, so mutations accumulate rapidly in populations.

Question 8

Which type of genetic recombination in prokaryotes involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 9

A virus transfers DNA from one bacterium to another. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Question 10

Which nutritional mode describes bacteria that use light as an energy source but must ingest organic compounds for their carbon source?

Accepted Answer

Photoheterotroph

Question 11

Which domain is most closely related to Eukaryotes based on ribosomal RNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 12

Archaea are often found in environments such as hot springs and salt lakes. What term describes these organisms?

Accepted Answer

Extremophiles

Question 13

Which of the following is a beneficial role of bacteria in the human gut?

Accepted Answer

Digesting food and synthesizing vitamins

Question 14

Which equation best represents the exponential growth of a bacterial population by binary fission?

Accepted Answer

$N = N_0 	imes 2^n$

Question 15

Which structure in prokaryotes is responsible for transferring DNA during conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Sex pilus

Question 16

Which process allows for the movement of genes between different species of bacteria, contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer

Question 17

A patient is infected with a gram-negative bacterium. Why might this infection be more difficult to treat with antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have a more complex cell wall with an outer membrane that can prevent antibiotic entry.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria can rapidly acquire resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which prokaryotes increase genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 20

Which of the following best describes a chemoheterotroph?

Accepted Answer

Uses organic compounds for both energy and carbon

Chapter 27: Bacteria and Archaea – Structure, Function, and Diversity of Prokaryotes

Study Guide - Practice Questions