Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells possess them.

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why prokaryotes are found in extreme environments such as hot springs and salt lakes?

Accepted Answer

Some prokaryotes, particularly Archaea, have evolved unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in extreme environments.

Question 3

A scientist discovers a unicellular organism with a cell wall containing peptidoglycan, no nucleus, and a circular chromosome. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct description of binary fission in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

It results in the production of genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 5

Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria differ primarily in which structural feature?

Accepted Answer

Thickness of the peptidoglycan layer in the cell wall

Question 6

A patient is infected with a bacterium that can survive both in the presence and absence of oxygen. This bacterium is best classified as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Facultative anaerobe

Question 7

Which process allows prokaryotes to increase genetic variation without sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Genetic recombination via transformation, transduction, or conjugation

Question 8

A biofilm is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A surface-coating colony of one or more species of prokaryotes that engage in metabolic cooperation.

Question 9

Which metabolic process is unique to certain prokaryotes and is essential for the nitrogen cycle?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation: $$N_2$$ \rightarrow $$NH_3$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of prokaryotes in symbiotic relationships?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes can form mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic relationships with other organisms.

Question 11

A Gram-negative bacterium is more likely than a Gram-positive bacterium to:

Accepted Answer

Be resistant to certain antibiotics due to an outer membrane

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of biofilm formation by prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Clogging and degradation of industrial pipes and contamination of medical devices

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which prokaryotes can exchange genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis

Question 14

A researcher is studying a prokaryote that releases methane as a byproduct of its metabolism. This organism is most likely a(n):

Accepted Answer

Methanogen

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in modern medicine?

Accepted Answer

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have selected for resistant strains of bacteria.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct hierarchical order in biological classification, from most specific to most general?

Accepted Answer

Species, Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum, Kingdom, Domain

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the prokaryotic capsule?

Accepted Answer

It provides protection from harsh environmental conditions.

Question 18

A bacterium that stains pink in a Gram stain and has an outer membrane is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the CRISPR-Cas9 system in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

A defense mechanism against viral infection

Question 20

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates metabolic cooperation among prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

A colony of Anabaena where some cells specialize in photosynthesis while others specialize in nitrogen fixation.

Prokaryotes: Structure, Diversity, and Roles in Biology

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