Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why cyanobacteria are not classified in the Plant Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic and can exist unicellularly.

Question 2

A bacterium is found living in a hot spring with temperatures above $$80^\circ C. $$Which group does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Thermophiles

Question 3

Which process allows bacteria to increase genetic diversity by directly transferring plasmid DNA from one cell to another?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 4

A scientist discovers a unicellular organism with no nucleus living in a highly saline environment. Which kingdom does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Archaebacteria

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of endospores in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They enable bacteria to survive extreme environmental conditions.

Question 6

Which equation best represents the process of binary fission in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

$$1 \rightarrow 2$$

Question 7

A patient contracts a severe foodborne illness after eating undercooked meat. The bacteria responsible release toxins only when the cells die. Which mechanism is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Endotoxin release upon bacterial cell death

Question 8

Which of the following best explains how overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics select for bacteria with resistance genes, allowing them to survive and reproduce.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a method by which bacteria can acquire new genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 10

A bacterium that obtains energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen or sulfur is best described as a:

Accepted Answer

Chemotroph

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between eubacteria and archaebacteria cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Eubacteria have cell walls with peptidoglycan; archaebacteria have cell walls with specific glycoproteins.

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios is an example of horizontal gene transfer?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium takes up DNA fragments from a different species in its environment.

Question 13

Which type of archaebacteria would most likely be found in the digestive tract of cattle, producing methane gas?

Accepted Answer

Methanogens

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process of transduction in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of DNA by a bacteriophage

Question 15

A scientist is studying bacteria that thrive in acidic hot springs. Which two adaptations are most likely present in these bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Ability to form endospores and tolerance to high acidity

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the energy generation by methanogens?

Accepted Answer

$$CO_2 + 4H_2$$ \rightarrow $$CH_4 + 2H_2O$

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of horizontal gene transfer among bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Spread of antibiotic resistance genes in hospitals

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections?

Accepted Answer

Viruses lack the cellular structures targeted by antibiotics.

Question 19

A bacterial population is exposed to an antibiotic. After several generations, most of the population is resistant. Which evolutionary mechanism best explains this outcome?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the main difference between autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Autotrophic bacteria make their own food; heterotrophic bacteria obtain energy from other organisms.

L5b Biodiversity

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