Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the four characteristics of life as described in Chapter 3?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 2

A scientist is comparing a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell. Which of the following structures would be found ONLY in the eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of a bacterial capsule?

Accepted Answer

It protects bacteria from phagocytosis by host immune cells.

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents the composition of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

$$Peptidoglycan = NAG + NAM + Peptide\ chains$$

Question 5

A Gram-positive bacterium is stained using the Gram stain procedure. What color will it appear under the microscope and why?

Accepted Answer

Purple, because of the thick peptidoglycan layer retaining crystal violet.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of bacterial endospores?

Accepted Answer

They allow bacteria to survive harsh environmental conditions.

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with a Mycobacterium infection. Which stain would be most appropriate to identify this organism in a clinical sample?

Accepted Answer

Acid-fast stain

Question 8

Which of the following statements about bacterial ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are 70S in size and differ from eukaryotic ribosomes.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why archaea are classified separately from bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Their cell wall composition and membrane lipids are distinct from bacteria.

Question 10

A microbiologist observes a bacterium with peritrichous flagella. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The bacterium has flagella distributed over its entire surface.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the bacterial nucleoid?

Accepted Answer

It contains the cell's genetic material (DNA).

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer; Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of a bacterium that does NOT have a cell wall, and what disease does it cause?

Accepted Answer

Mycoplasma pneumoniae; causes atypical pneumonia.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They help bacteria adhere to surfaces and each other.

Question 15

A clinical sample contains endospores located at the terminal end of the bacterial cell. Which genus is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Clostridium

Question 16

Which of the following equations represents the calculation of the total magnification of a specimen viewed under a compound light microscope?

Accepted Answer

$$Total\ Magnification = Objective\ Lens\ Magnification 	imes Ocular\ Lens\ Magnification$$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the cytoplasmic membrane in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of bacterial pili?

Accepted Answer

They are involved in the transfer of genetic material between cells.

Question 19

A patient is infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Which structure is essential for this bacterium's ability to cause disease?

Accepted Answer

Fimbriae

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the bacterial glycocalyx?

Accepted Answer

It helps bacteria evade the host immune system and form biofilms.

Bacterial Cell Structure and Function – Study Guide (Chapter 3)

Study Guide - Practice Questions