Question 1

Which of the following statements best distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells have DNA that is not enclosed within a membrane and exist as single-celled organisms.

Question 2

Which bacterial structure is primarily responsible for motility and can rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 3

A bacterium is observed to move toward a chemical attractant and away from a repellent. What is this type of movement called?

Accepted Answer

Chemotaxis

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Protection from phagocytosis and dehydration

Question 5

What is the main chemical component of the bacterial cell wall that provides rigidity and resistance to osmotic changes?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the Gram stain result for Gram negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They appear pink due to uptake of the counterstain safranin.

Question 7

Which structure allows bacteria to transfer DNA between cells in a process called conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Pili

Question 8

Which of the following is unique to bacterial cells and is a common target for antibiotics such as Penicillin?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan

Question 9

A scientist isolates a bacterium with a thick layer of peptidoglycan and teichoic acids. What type of cell wall does this bacterium have?

Accepted Answer

Gram positive cell wall

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma membrane in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizes peptidoglycan

Question 11

Which of the following statements about endospores is correct?

Accepted Answer

Endospores are only formed by Gram positive bacteria and allow survival in extreme environments.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct description of bacterial ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

They are the site of protein synthesis and are targeted by antibiotics such as streptomycin.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics that target bacterial ribosomes do not harm human cells?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial ribosomes are structurally different from eukaryotic ribosomes.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of a bacterium using its capsule to cause disease?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus anthracis causing anthrax only when encapsulated.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in bacterial sporulation?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication, septum formation, engulfment of smaller compartment, spore coat formation, release of spore

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of inclusion bodies in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient storage

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the eukaryotic cell wall?

Accepted Answer

It is structurally simpler than the bacterial cell wall and composed of cellulose or chitin.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of DNA in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Multiple chromosomes within a membrane-bound nucleus

Question 19

A bacterium is observed to have a tuft of flagella at each end. What is the term for this flagellar arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Amphitrichous

Cell Biology: Structure and Function of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Study Guide - Practice Questions