Question 1

In Pasteur's famous experiment that disproved spontaneous generation, what was the key factor that prevented microbial growth in the broth?

Accepted Answer

The unique shape of the flask prevented airborne microbes from reaching the broth.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a prion?

Accepted Answer

A misfolded protein that can induce misfolding in other proteins

Question 3

A scientist observes a cell with a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane. Which type of cell wall does this cell most likely have?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive

Question 4

Which of the following bonds is most likely to form between two water molecules?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bond

Question 5

A researcher is using a microscope to view a specimen with light reflected from the specimen rather than passing through it. Which type of microscopy is being used?

Accepted Answer

Dark field

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why acid-fast stains are considered differential stains?

Accepted Answer

They distinguish between cells with and without mycolic acids in their cell wall.

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of bacterial endospores?

Accepted Answer

They allow bacteria to survive harsh environmental conditions.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the MFS (Major Facilitator Superfamily) antiport pump in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

It uses the energy of the proton gradient (proton motive force).

Question 9

A scientist is examining a cell under the microscope and observes a structure that is about 15 micrometers in diameter, contains DNA, RNA, and protein, and has a nucleus. What type of organism is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

A eukaryote

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of condensation as it relates to macromolecule synthesis?

Accepted Answer

It involves the removal of water to form a covalent bond between monomers.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of bacterial capsules or slime layers?

Accepted Answer

Carrying out photosynthesis

Question 12

A microbiologist wants to isolate a single type of bacterium from a mixed environmental sample. Which type of medium should be used?

Accepted Answer

Selective and differential medium

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle in bacteria is correct?

Accepted Answer

Its use depends on the availability of oxygen and the cell's energy needs.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of siderophores in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They scavenge iron from the environment for bacterial use.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Most Probable Number (MPN) method?

Accepted Answer

It is a statistical method for estimating cell numbers in a sample.

Question 16

Which of the following is a competitive inhibitor of an enzyme?

Accepted Answer

A molecule that binds to the active site and prevents substrate binding

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why continuous cultures are advantageous for industrial microbiology?

Accepted Answer

They allow for the production of secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics.

Question 18

Which of the following is the best explanation for why E. coli can only move toward the best attractant in a solution?

Accepted Answer

It senses changes in attractant concentration over time as it swims.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of bacterial storage granules?

Accepted Answer

They store nutrients for later use.

BIOL 2210 Midterm Exam I: Microbiology Core Concepts and Applications

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