Question 1

Which of the following best describes the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage?

Accepted Answer

The phage immediately replicates within the host cell, causing the cell to burst and release new phages.

Question 2

Which process is NOT a form of horizontal gene transfer in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 3

A retrovirus is unique among animal viruses because it:

Accepted Answer

Uses reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from its RNA genome.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about prokaryotes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and reproduce by binary fission.

Question 5

During conjugation in bacteria, which structure is primarily responsible for the transfer of genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Pilus

Question 6

Which equation best represents the exponential growth of a prokaryotic population by binary fission?

Accepted Answer

$N = N_0 	imes 2^n$

Question 7

Which of the following is a key reason why prokaryotes are nutritionally diverse?

Accepted Answer

They possess a wide variety of metabolic pathways, including photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and heterotrophy.

Question 8

In the lysogenic cycle, what happens to the viral DNA after it enters the host cell?

Accepted Answer

It integrates into the host genome and is replicated along with host DNA.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes transformation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Uptake of naked DNA from the environment.

Question 10

A scientist observes a bacterium acquiring antibiotic resistance after exposure to DNA fragments from dead bacteria. Which process is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE about animal viruses but NOT about bacteriophages?

Accepted Answer

They can enter host cells by endocytosis or membrane fusion.

Question 12

Transduction in bacteria involves:

Accepted Answer

Transfer of DNA by a bacteriophage.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of phages?

Accepted Answer

They infect animal cells.

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates horizontal gene transfer?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium receives a plasmid from another bacterium through conjugation.

Question 15

Which of the following is a common misconception about binary fission?

Accepted Answer

It is a form of genetic recombination.

Question 16

A patient is diagnosed with HIV, a retrovirus. Which enzyme is crucial for the virus to replicate inside human cells?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why prokaryotes can survive in extreme environments?

Accepted Answer

They possess diverse metabolic pathways that allow them to utilize various energy and carbon sources.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the lytic cycle?

Accepted Answer

Attachment → Entry → Replication → Assembly → Lysis

Question 19

Which of the following is a feature shared by both animal viruses and bacteriophages?

Accepted Answer

They both can have either DNA or RNA as their genetic material.

Question 20

A bacterium acquires a new trait after infection by a virus that carries genetic material from another bacterium. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Viruses and Prokaryotes: Key Concepts for General Biology

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