Question 1

Which of the following best describes a biofilm and its significance in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

A group of microorganisms embedded in a matrix attached to surfaces; important because it accounts for most healthcare-associated infections.

Question 2

A researcher wants to grow a bacterium whose exact nutritional requirements are unknown. Which type of media should they use?

Accepted Answer

Complex media

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why Mycobacterium tuberculosis is more resistant to disinfectants than most other bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It has a waxy cell wall that limits penetration of chemicals.

Question 4

Which phase of the bacterial growth curve is characterized by cells synthesizing enzymes but not dividing?

Accepted Answer

Lag phase

Question 5

A hospital uses a chemical to clean surfaces that destroys vegetative pathogens but not endospores. Which term best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Disinfection

Question 6

Which of the following equations best represents exponential bacterial growth during the log phase, where $$N_0 is $$the initial cell number, $$n is $$the number of generations, and $$N is $$the final cell number?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ 	imes 2^n$$

Question 7

Which type of mutation results in a premature stop codon, potentially producing a truncated, nonfunctional protein?

Accepted Answer

Nonsense mutation

Question 8

A bacterium is able to grow equally well in the presence or absence of oxygen. Which category does it belong to?

Accepted Answer

Aerotolerant anaerobe

Question 9

Which of the following best describes horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Genes are transferred between bacteria of the same generation.

Question 10

Which mechanism of genetic recombination involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment by competent cells?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 11

A scientist uses restriction enzymes to cut DNA and inserts the gene into a plasmid vector, then transfers it into a bacterial cell. Which biotechnology process is being described?

Accepted Answer

Recombinant DNA technology

Question 12

Which of the following is a basic mechanism by which microbial control agents act?

Accepted Answer

Altering membrane permeability and damaging proteins and nucleic acids

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype is the DNA sequence; phenotype is the expressed trait.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of commercial sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Heating canned food to destroy Clostridium botulinum endospores.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why plasmids are important in genetic change over time?

Accepted Answer

They are self-replicating, mobile genetic elements that can transfer genes between cells.

Question 16

A frameshift mutation occurs when one or more nucleotide pairs are inserted or deleted from DNA. What is the likely effect on the protein product?

Accepted Answer

The reading frame is altered, often resulting in a nonfunctional protein.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a method for inserting foreign DNA into cells?

Accepted Answer

PCR amplification

Question 18

Which of the following is a major ethical concern associated with biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Ownership and patenting of genes

Question 19

A scientist wants to amplify a specific DNA sequence for forensic analysis. Which technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another via a sex pilus.

Microbial Growth, Control, Genetics, and Biotechnology: Study Guide

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