Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why Gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to antibiotics that target peptidoglycan than Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides that restricts antibiotic access to peptidoglycan.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a prokaryote living in a hot spring at 90°C. Its DNA polymerase is stable at high temperatures and is used in PCR. Which group does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Thermophilic archaea

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Sex pilus

Question 4

A bacterium is found to survive in environments with very high salt concentrations, such as the Great Salt Lake. Which adaptation is most likely present in this organism?

Accepted Answer

Proteins and DNA that are stable and functional in highly saline conditions

Question 5

Which metabolic strategy is used by cyanobacteria to obtain energy and carbon?

Accepted Answer

Photoautotrophy

Question 6

A Gram-positive bacterium is exposed to penicillin. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Penicillin will disrupt the thick peptidoglycan layer, leading to cell lysis.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the process of binary fission in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Pinching of the plasma membrane to produce two cells of the same size, each with a copy of the original chromosome.

Question 8

Which equation best represents the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia during nitrogen fixation?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{N_2$ + 3H_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3}$$

Question 9

Which feature is unique to prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with a bacterial infection caused by a spirochete. Which of the following diseases is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis

Question 11

Which of the following statements about endospores is correct?

Accepted Answer

Endospores are thick-walled, dormant structures that allow bacteria to survive extreme conditions.

Question 12

Which process allows a prokaryote to acquire new genetic material from its environment, potentially leading to antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 13

Which of the following best describes an obligate anaerobe?

Accepted Answer

Is poisoned by oxygen and uses fermentation or anaerobic respiration

Question 14

A bacterium is classified as a chemoautotroph. What is its primary source of energy and carbon?

Accepted Answer

Inorganic chemicals and CO$$_2$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of capsules in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Capsules protect the cell from dehydration and help bacteria adhere to surfaces.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why prokaryotes can evolve rapidly?

Accepted Answer

They have short generation times, rapid reproduction, and high rates of genetic recombination.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of a mutualistic relationship between humans and prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria in the human intestines aid in digestion and produce vitamins.

Question 18

Which of the following bacteria is responsible for causing stomach ulcers in humans?

Accepted Answer

Helicobacter pylori

Question 19

Which of the following statements about archaea is correct?

Accepted Answer

Archaea can thrive in extreme environments such as high salinity or temperature.

Question 20

Which process is responsible for the horizontal movement of genes between different prokaryotic species, contributing to antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene flow

Prokaryotes: Structure, Diversity, and Metabolism – General Biology Study Notes

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