Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus.

Question 2

A bacterium is placed in a solution with a higher solute concentration than its cytoplasm. What will most likely happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell, causing it to shrivel.

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for protein synthesis in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the composition of the bacterial cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A thick layer of peptidoglycan with teichoic acids

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and protection from desiccation

Question 6

A scientist observes a bacterium with multiple flagella located at one end. What is the correct term for this arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Lophotrichous

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Cell walls containing peptidoglycan

Question 8

Which process describes the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane toward an area of higher solute concentration?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant to certain antibiotics than Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They have an outer membrane that restricts entry of some antibiotics.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct description of facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules across a membrane via channel or carrier proteins without energy input

Question 11

A bacterium is found to have a capsule. Which of the following is a likely advantage this provides in a host organism?

Accepted Answer

Protection from phagocytosis by host immune cells

Question 12

Which of the following is true about bacterial endospores?

Accepted Answer

They are highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and desiccation.

Question 13

Which of the following structures is involved in the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Pilus

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of inclusion bodies in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Storage of nutrients and other substances

Question 15

A bacterium is placed in a hypotonic solution. What is the most likely outcome if the cell wall is damaged?

Accepted Answer

The cell will burst due to water influx.

Question 16

Which of the following is a unique feature of the cell wall of Mycobacterium species?

Accepted Answer

Presence of mycolic acid

Question 17

Which of the following best describes chemotaxis in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Movement toward or away from chemical stimuli

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of the bacterial plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 19

Which of the following statements about plasmids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They carry genes for non-essential functions such as antibiotic resistance.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the Gram stain is important in clinical microbiology?

Accepted Answer

It differentiates bacteria based on cell wall structure, guiding antibiotic treatment.

Prokaryotes: Structure, Function, and Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions