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 bacterium is observed to have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane. Which classification does it most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria

Question 3

Which structure enables certain prokaryotes to survive extreme conditions such as high heat or desiccation, and is metabolically inactive?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 4

A scientist discovers a unicellular organism with a cell wall composed of pseudomurein. Which domain does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of fimbriae in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces or other cells

Question 6

Which structure is primarily responsible for the transfer of genetic material between prokaryotic cells during conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Pilus

Question 7

A prokaryote is described as an obligate anaerobe. Which of the following best describes its relationship with oxygen?

Accepted Answer

It is killed by the presence of oxygen

Question 8

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic genetic material is correct?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes have circular chromosomes and may have plasmids

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 10

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 11

During nitrogen fixation, which chemical transformation occurs?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{N_2$} is $$converted to $$\mathrm{NH_3$}$$

Question 12

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 13

Which of the following is true regarding the evolutionary relationship between Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Archaea are more closely related to Eukaryotes than to Bacteria

Question 14

A patient is diagnosed with an infection caused by Chlamydia. Which of the following is a unique feature of this pathogen?

Accepted Answer

It is an intracellular parasite

Question 15

Which of the following statements about cyanobacteria is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are likely ancestors of chloroplasts and are gram-negative

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the nutritional mode of a chemoheterotroph?

Accepted Answer

Uses organic compounds for both energy and carbon

Question 17

A researcher isolates a prokaryote from a hot spring with a pH of 2. Which term best describes this organism?

Accepted Answer

Acidophile

Question 18

Which of the following is a major reason why antibiotics can target bacterial cells without harming human cells?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial ribosomes are structurally different from eukaryotic ribosomes

Question 19

Which of the following statements about proteobacteria is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria are believed to have evolved from a proteobacteria ancestor

Question 20

A student is asked to identify a prokaryote that produces antibiotics and is gram-positive. Which genus should they select?

Accepted Answer

Streptomyces

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions