Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 2

A Gram-positive bacterium is observed under a microscope after Gram staining. What color will it appear, and why?

Accepted Answer

Purple, because it has a thick layer of peptidoglycan that retains the crystal violet stain.

Question 3

Which structure allows Bacillus anthracis to survive harsh conditions, such as being sent through the mail during a bioterrorist attack?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 4

What is the primary function of bacterial capsules?

Accepted Answer

Protection from recognition by host immune system

Question 5

Which of the following statements about peptidoglycan is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of NAG and NAM sugars linked by peptide bridges.

Question 6

A patient develops septic shock after a Gram-negative bacterial infection. Which component of the bacterial cell wall is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 7

Which equation best represents the osmotic movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$J = -P (C_1$ - C_2$)$$

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Movement through liquid environments

Question 9

A scientist is studying a cell that contains 80S ribosomes, a nucleus, and mitochondria. What type of organism is this cell most likely from?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryote

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane containing LPS that acts as a barrier.

Question 11

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and transporting proteins in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Golgi body

Question 12

A bacterium is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will lose water and shrink.

Question 13

Which scientist developed the Gram stain procedure, a critical diagnostic tool in microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Hans Christian Gram

Question 14

Which of the following structures is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and is essential for protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 15

Which of the following statements about flagella is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic flagella are not covered by a cell wall or membrane.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of teichoic acids in Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They anchor peptidoglycan to the cell membrane.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It is selectively permeable and harvests light energy in photosynthetic bacteria.

Question 18

Which equation represents the calculation of cell surface area for a spherical bacterium with radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$A = 4 \pi r^2$

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification

Question 20

A bacterium is found to lack a cell wall. Which of the following is most likely TRUE about this organism?

Accepted Answer

It is likely to be an animal cell or a few rare bacteria.

Cell Structure and Function in Microbiology: Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Study Guide - Practice Questions