Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the genetic material in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a single, circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region.

Question 2

A bacterium is observed to have a thick, organized layer firmly attached to its cell wall. Which structure is being described, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Capsule; protects against phagocytosis and increases virulence.

Question 3

Which bacterial shape is illustrated by the organism in the first image provided (green, spiral-shaped cells)?

Accepted Answer

Spirillum

Question 4

What is the main chemical component of the bacterial cell wall, and which two sugars are its repeating units?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan; N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM)

Question 5

During the Gram stain procedure, why do Gram-negative bacteria appear pink after the final step?

Accepted Answer

The alcohol wash removes the crystal violet, allowing safranin to stain the thin peptidoglycan layer.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of bacterial capsules?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 7

A bacterium moves toward a chemical attractant. What is this behavior called, and which structure enables it?

Accepted Answer

Chemotaxis; flagella

Question 8

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of a 50S and a 30S subunit, forming a 70S ribosome.

Question 9

Which structure is responsible for transferring DNA between bacterial cells during conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Pili

Question 10

Which of the following is unique to Gram-positive bacteria and absent in Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Teichoic acids

Question 11

A patient is infected with a bacterium that survives on medical implants by attaching to surfaces. Which structure is most likely responsible for this ability?

Accepted Answer

Capsule

Question 12

Which of the following statements about endospores is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are only formed by Gram-positive bacteria and allow resistance to heat, chemicals, and radiation.

Question 13

Which of the following is a major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic plasma membranes?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic plasma membranes contain sterols, making them more rigid.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of inclusion bodies in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Deposits of nutrient granules for later use

Question 15

Which of the following antibiotics targets bacterial ribosomes, exploiting the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Streptomycin

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of membrane-bound organelles

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct equation for the formation of a complete prokaryotic ribosome?

Accepted Answer

$$30S + 50S = 70S$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Prevents cell rupture and provides shape

Question 19

Which of the following structures is absent in animal cells but present in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall composed of cellulose

Question 20

Which of the following statements about plasmids is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are small, circular DNA molecules carrying non-essential genes, such as antibiotic resistance.

Cell Biology: Structure and Function of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards