Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It protects the cell from phagocytosis and desiccation.

Question 2

Which component is found only in Gram-positive bacterial cell walls and not in Gram-negative cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Teichoic acid

Question 3

A bacterium is observed to have a thick peptidoglycan layer and stains purple with Gram stain. Which of the following structures is most likely present in its cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Teichoic acid

Question 4

Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Selective permeability and metabolic processes

Question 5

Which of the following statements about facilitated diffusion in bacteria is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It uses carrier proteins and does not require energy.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant to certain antibiotics than Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They possess an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide.

Question 7

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of the bacterial flagellum?

Accepted Answer

It rotates like a propeller using the proton motive force.

Question 8

A bacterium is found to have fimbriae but not pili. Which of the following is most likely TRUE about this bacterium?

Accepted Answer

It is likely Gram-positive.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the structure of peptidoglycan?

Accepted Answer

A mesh-like polymer of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) crosslinked by peptide chains.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates white blood cells and can cause fever.

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding group translocation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It chemically modifies the molecule as it is transported into the cell.

Question 12

Which of the following is a unique component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 13

A patient develops fever and shock after a Gram-negative bacterial infection. Which component is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Lipid A of lipopolysaccharide

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the movement of bacterial flagella during a 'run'?

Accepted Answer

Flagella rotate counterclockwise, causing the cell to move forward.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why facilitated diffusion is not a major uptake mechanism in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria often live in environments where nutrients are at lower concentrations outside the cell than inside.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about porin proteins in Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They form channels in the outer membrane for small molecules.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of the amphipathic nature of membrane lipids?

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the periplasmic space in Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Contains hydrolytic enzymes and binding proteins for nutrient processing

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of bacterial conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact via sex pili

Bacterial Cell Structure and the Cell Envelope

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