Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why salted meat can be preserved for long periods without spoiling due to bacterial growth?

Accepted Answer

Salted meat creates a hypertonic environment, causing bacterial cells to undergo plasmolysis, which their cell walls cannot prevent.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a microorganism living in a hot, acidic geyser. Genetic analysis reveals it lacks peptidoglycan in its cell wall. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Domain Archaea

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the bacterial capsule?

Accepted Answer

It helps bacteria adhere to surfaces, protects against dehydration, and shields from host immune defenses.

Question 4

Gram-negative bacteria are often more pathogenic than gram-positive bacteria because:

Accepted Answer

Their outer membrane contains lipopolysaccharides that act as endotoxins and protect against antibiotics.

Question 5

Which process allows bacteria to acquire new genetic material from their environment, as demonstrated in Griffith's experiment with pneumococcus?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 6

A bacterium is observed moving toward a glucose source. This behavior is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Chemotaxis

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding prokaryotic flagella?

Accepted Answer

They rotate like a propeller and are powered by a proton motive force (PMF).

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the genetic material in most prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

A single, circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region, sometimes accompanied by plasmids.

Question 9

Which metabolic strategy is used by Rhizobium bacteria in legume root nodules to benefit both the plant and the bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Mutualistic symbiosis, where Rhizobium fixes atmospheric $$\mathrm{N_2$} to$$ $$\mathrm{NH_4$^+}$$ for the plant, and the plant provides energy to the bacteria.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about endospores is correct?

Accepted Answer

Endospores are highly resistant, dehydrated cells that can survive extreme conditions and resume metabolism when conditions improve.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

They have short generation times and large population sizes, increasing the rate of genetic variation and selection.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct pairing of nutritional mode and example organism?

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph – Cyanobacteria

Question 13

A bacterium is found to have an F plasmid and can form a mating bridge with another cell. What process is this bacterium capable of?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 14

Which of the following statements about plasmids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry antibiotic resistance genes and be transferred between bacteria.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have thick peptidoglycan cell walls, while gram-negative bacteria have thin peptidoglycan and an outer lipopolysaccharide membrane.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a way that prokaryotes can acquire new genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 17

A colony of cyanobacteria contains specialized cells called heterocysts. What is the primary function of these cells?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation in an anaerobic environment

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of prokaryotes in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They are critical for chemical recycling as decomposers, mutualists, and nitrogen fixers.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of the process of transduction in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A bacteriophage transfers DNA from one bacterium to another, where it may be incorporated into the host chromosome.

Prokaryotic Diversity: Structure, Function, and Genetics

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