Question 1

A microbiologist is studying bacteria isolated from a hot spring with temperatures consistently above 80°C. Which group do these bacteria most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthermophiles

Question 2

Why are buffers commonly added to microbial culture media?

Accepted Answer

To maintain a stable pH by neutralizing acids produced during microbial metabolism

Question 3

A food manufacturer wants to prevent spoilage of jams and jellies. Which principle explains why high sugar concentrations are effective at inhibiting microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

High sugar creates a hypertonic environment, causing water to leave microbial cells and resulting in plasmolysis

Question 4

Which element is primarily required for the synthesis of nucleic acids and phospholipids in microbial cells?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorus

Question 5

A patient develops an infection after surgery involving a medical implant. The infection is difficult to treat and persists despite antibiotic therapy. Which microbial property most likely contributes to this scenario?

Accepted Answer

The bacteria form biofilms on the implant surface

Question 6

Which enzyme is responsible for converting superoxide radicals ($$O_2$$^-$$) into hydrogen peroxide (H_2O_2$) and oxygen (O_2$) in aerobic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Superoxide Dismutase

Question 7

A microbiologist wants to isolate a pure culture from a mixed sample. Which method should they use to obtain isolated colonies?

Accepted Answer

Streak plate method

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the lag phase of a bacterial growth curve?

Accepted Answer

Cells are adjusting to their environment and preparing for growth, with little or no increase in cell numbers

Question 9

A culture of bacteria is growing in a medium with no oxygen. The bacteria continue to grow by fermentation. Which classification best describes these bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Facultative anaerobes

Question 10

Which of the following is an indirect method for measuring microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

Turbidity measurement

Question 11

A scientist is studying a bacterium that can survive in high salt concentrations but does not require salt for growth. What is the correct term for this organism?

Accepted Answer

Facultative halophile

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why colonies on an agar plate do not grow infinitely large?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients and space become limited, oxygen may decrease, and waste products accumulate

Question 13

A researcher wants to estimate the number of viable bacteria in a water sample using a statistical approach based on growth patterns in multiple tubes. Which method should they use?

Accepted Answer

Most Probable Number (MPN)

Question 14

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of bacterial population size after $$n$$ generations, starting from a single cell?

Accepted Answer

$$N = 2^n$$

Question 15

During which phase of the bacterial growth curve does the rate of cell death equal the rate of new cell formation?

Accepted Answer

Stationary phase

Question 16

A laboratory technician is using the dry weight method to estimate microbial growth. What is being measured in this method?

Accepted Answer

The total mass of dried microbial cells

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of lyophilization for preserving microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Freezing cells and removing water under vacuum to allow long-term storage

Question 18

A bacterium is found to grow only in environments with low oxygen concentrations, lower than those found in the atmosphere. How would you classify this organism?

Accepted Answer

Microaerophile

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of how acid-producing fermentation by microbes is beneficial to humans?

Accepted Answer

It preserves foods like pickles by lowering the pH and inhibiting spoilage organisms

Question 20

A scientist is studying a bacterial population that doubles every 30 minutes. If the initial population is 1,000 cells, how many cells will there be after 2 hours, assuming no cell death? Use the formula $$N = N_0$ 	imes 2^n$$, where $$N_0 is $$the initial number of cells and $$n is $$the number of generations.

Accepted Answer

16,000

ch6

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard