Question 1

Which of the following best explains why bacteria are considered 'masters of adaptation'?

Accepted Answer

They have rapid generation times and can exchange genetic material through horizontal gene transfer.

Question 2

Which process allows bacteria to acquire new genetic traits from their environment, potentially leading to antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 3

A scientist observes bacteria exchanging plasmids via a pilus. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 4

Which equation best represents the exponential growth of bacteria under ideal conditions?

Accepted Answer

$N_t = N_0 e^{r t}$

Question 5

Why doesn't clonal reproduction in bacteria lead to a complete loss of genetic variation over time?

Accepted Answer

Because mutations and horizontal gene transfer introduce new genetic variation.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a route of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 7

A patient receives gene therapy using a virus to deliver a healthy gene to their cells. This process is most similar to which bacterial mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Question 8

Which feature is shared by both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, but may have evolved independently (analogous trait)?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 9

If a bacterium receives a plasmid carrying antibiotic resistance genes via conjugation, what is the most immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

The bacterium will become resistant to the antibiotic.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of recombination in bacterial evolution?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic diversity by exchanging DNA between cells.

Question 11

A creationist argues that bacterial flagella are too complex to have evolved stepwise. What is the best scientific counterargument?

Accepted Answer

Complex structures can evolve through the modification of simpler, functional precursors.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world example of horizontal gene transfer affecting human health?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria acquiring antibiotic resistance genes from other species.

Question 13

Which structure is responsible for the movement of bacteria and is composed of multiple proteins?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between vertical and horizontal evolution in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Vertical evolution is the transmission of genes from parent to offspring; horizontal evolution is the transfer of genes between individuals of the same generation.

Question 15

Which of the following equations would you use to calculate the number of bacterial generations ($n$) given initial population $N_0$ and final population $N_t$?

Accepted Answer

$n = \log_2 \left( \frac{N_t}{N_0} \right)$

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a component of a typical bacterial cell?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 17

How does the process of transduction differ from transformation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Transduction uses viruses to transfer DNA; transformation involves uptake of free DNA from the environment.

Question 18

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of analogous traits in evolution?

Accepted Answer

Flagella in bacteria and sperm cells in animals, both used for movement but evolved independently.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about plasmids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids can carry genes that confer advantages, such as antibiotic resistance.

Question 20

Why might releasing genetically modified mosquitoes be considered a form of applied microbial evolution?

Accepted Answer

It introduces new genetic traits into a population to control disease spread.

Prokaryotes: Adaptation, Evolution, and Genetic Variation

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards