Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a key difference between Bacteria and Archaea at the molecular level?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have cell walls made of peptidoglycan, while Archaea do not.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a microorganism living in a hot spring with a cell wall lacking peptidoglycan, phospholipid tails made of isoprene chains, and ribosomes similar to those in eukaryotes. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for bacterial motility and is structurally distinct from fimbriae?

Accepted Answer

Flagellum

Question 4

What is the primary function of the glycocalyx in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Protection from extreme temperatures, desiccation, antibiotics, viruses, and antibodies

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why prokaryotic cells can thrive in extreme environments such as hot springs and Antarctic ice?

Accepted Answer

They have diverse metabolic pathways and genetic diversity.

Question 6

A bacterial cell is observed to have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane. Which type of cell wall does it possess?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding plasmids in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They carry non-essential but beneficial genes and replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

Question 8

Which feature is shared by both Bacteria and Archaea but NOT by Eukarya?

Accepted Answer

DNA located in a nucleoid region

Question 9

A patient is infected with a bacterium that resists antibiotics due to genes found on small, circular DNA molecules. What are these molecules called?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the composition of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan, consisting of cross-bridges (peptido) and carbohydrate backbone

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the backbone of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{(N{-}acetylglucosamine{-}N{-}acetylmuramic\ acid)}_n$

Question 12

Which of the following statements about archaeal cell membranes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Archaeal phospholipid tails are made of isoprene chains.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of bacterial fimbriae?

Accepted Answer

Motility

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why bacteria can outnumber all other types of organisms on Earth?

Accepted Answer

They have an incredible capacity to reproduce and adapt to diverse environments.

Question 15

Which of the following features is unique to Archaea and not found in Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Histones associated with DNA

Question 16

A researcher is studying a prokaryotic cell with a single, circular chromosome, ribosomes, and a cell wall. Which additional feature would indicate the cell is an archaeon rather than a bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Presence of isoprene chains in the plasma membrane

Question 17

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are the site of protein synthesis and are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct multi-step reasoning about the role of the bacterial cell wall in antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

The cell wall, especially when surrounded by a glycocalyx, can protect bacteria from antibiotics by preventing drug entry and providing structural support.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the genetic material organization in most prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

A single, circular DNA molecule located in the nucleoid region

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of bacterial fimbriae?

Accepted Answer

Helping bacteria adhere to teeth and other body structures, contributing to dental plaque formation

Prokaryotic Cells: Structure and Function

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