Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why salt is an effective preservative for many foods?

Accepted Answer

Salt causes prokaryotic cells to undergo plasmolysis, slowing their reproduction.

Question 2

A bacterium is found to have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane. Which Gram stain result and classification would you expect?

Accepted Answer

It would stain purple and be classified as gram-positive.

Question 3

Which structure allows bacteria to survive harsh conditions for centuries, and what is the process called?

Accepted Answer

Endospore; sporulation

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the genetic material of most prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

A single circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region

Question 5

A hospital patient develops a chronic infection on a catheter that is resistant to antibiotics. Which prokaryotic adaptation most likely contributes to this problem?

Accepted Answer

Biofilm formation

Question 6

Which metabolic category describes an organism that uses light for energy and CO$$_2 as a $$carbon source?

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph

Question 7

Which process involves the uptake of foreign DNA from the environment by a prokaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 8

A bacterium that can survive with or without oxygen is classified as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Facultative anaerobe

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-world example of horizontal gene transfer contributing to a public health issue?

Accepted Answer

The spread of antibiotic resistance genes via R plasmids among pathogenic bacteria

Question 10

Which group of prokaryotes is most likely responsible for the pink coloration of hypersaline lakes, as seen in some real-world environments?

Accepted Answer

Extreme halophilic archaea

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics that target peptidoglycan synthesis are generally safe for humans?

Accepted Answer

Human cells lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a bacterial group and a disease it causes?

Accepted Answer

Spirochetes – Lyme disease

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of the bacterial capsule?

Accepted Answer

Carrying out photosynthesis

Question 14

A scientist discovers a prokaryote living in a hot spring at 110°C. Which group is this organism most likely to belong to?

Accepted Answer

Extreme thermophilic archaea

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the ecological role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They convert atmospheric nitrogen (N$$_2) $$into forms usable by plants.

Question 16

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of archaeal cell walls compared to bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Archaeal cell walls lack peptidoglycan.

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates mutualism involving prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria in the human gut synthesize vitamins that humans absorb.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about exotoxins and endotoxins is correct?

Accepted Answer

Exotoxins are secreted proteins that can cause disease even if the bacteria are no longer present.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why prokaryotes can adapt rapidly to environmental changes?

Accepted Answer

They reproduce rapidly, accumulate mutations quickly, and exchange genes through recombination.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of bioremediation involving prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Using bacteria to break down oil after an oil spill

Chapter 27: Bacteria and Archaea – Structure, Diversity, and Roles in the Biosphere

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