Question 1

Which of the following characteristics most directly contributes to the rapid evolution and ubiquity of prokaryotes in diverse environments?

Accepted Answer

Their small size, rapid reproduction, and high mutation rates

Question 2

A scientist isolates a prokaryote with a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan. Which domain does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 3

Which of the following best distinguishes Gram-positive from Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and lack an outer membrane, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Question 4

Which structure enables some prokaryotes to survive extreme environmental conditions such as high heat or desiccation?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 5

A patient is infected with a bacterium that is resistant to phagocytosis by immune cells. Which structure is most likely responsible for this resistance?

Accepted Answer

Capsule

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of prokaryotic fimbriae?

Accepted Answer

Movement via rotation

Question 7

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic DNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes have a circular chromosome and may have plasmids.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of conjugation in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Direct transfer of DNA between two cells via a pilus

Question 9

A prokaryote that uses light as an energy source and CO$$_2 as a $$carbon source is best described as a:

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents nitrogen fixation?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{N_2} \rightarrow \mathrm{NH_3} $$

Question 11

Which of the following statements about horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in prokaryotes is correct?

Accepted Answer

HGT is responsible for much of the genetic diversity in prokaryotes.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why evolutionary relationships among prokaryotes are not always reflected in their shape, motility, or nutritional mode?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer allows unrelated prokaryotes to share traits.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is true regarding the evolutionary relationships among the three domains of life?

Accepted Answer

Archaea are more closely related to Eukaryotes than to Bacteria.

Question 14

A bacterium is found to be an obligate anaerobe. Which of the following best describes its relationship with oxygen?

Accepted Answer

It is killed by the presence of oxygen.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about proteobacteria is correct?

Accepted Answer

Proteobacteria are believed to be the ancestors of mitochondria.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct match between a prokaryotic group and its characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Spirochetes: spiral-shaped and some are parasites

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the nutritional mode of cyanobacteria?

Accepted Answer

Photoautotrophs that rely on light and are Gram-negative

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a type of extremophile archaeans?

Accepted Answer

Mycophile

Question 19

A researcher discovers a prokaryote that can use either oxygen or another electron acceptor for respiration, depending on environmental conditions. This organism is best classified as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Facultative anaerobe

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics that target prokaryotic ribosomes do not harm human cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic ribosomes are structurally different from eukaryotic ribosomes.

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

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