Question 1

Which of the following is a unique feature of prokaryotic cells that distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Lack of a nucleus

Question 2

A bacterium is observed to have a thick peptidoglycan layer and teichoic acids in its cell wall. After Gram staining, what color will the bacterium appear and why?

Accepted Answer

Purple, because it is Gram-positive and retains the crystal violet stain

Question 3

Which structure allows bacteria to adhere to surfaces and is critical for the formation of biofilms?

Accepted Answer

Fimbriae

Question 4

A scientist observes a cell with a nucleus, mitochondria, and a cell wall composed of chitin. This cell most likely belongs to which group?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It is firmly attached and helps evade host immune recognition

Question 6

Which process involves the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

It will shrink as water leaves the cell

Question 8

Which of the following statements about archaeal cell walls is correct?

Accepted Answer

They contain specialized polysaccharides and proteins, but no peptidoglycan

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the eukaryotic Golgi body?

Accepted Answer

Processing and packaging molecules for export

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Their outer membrane acts as a barrier to many drugs

Question 11

Which of the following is true regarding the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

It proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from engulfed prokaryotes

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 13

A bacterium uses a pilus to transfer DNA to another cell. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring organelles and maintaining cell shape

Question 15

Which of the following best describes group translocation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

An active process where a substance is chemically modified during transport

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of the glycocalyx in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Energy production

Question 17

Which of the following statements about eukaryotic flagella is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are anchored by a basal body and undulate rhythmically

Question 18

A cell is observed to have 70S ribosomes, a circular DNA molecule, and no membrane-bound organelles. Which domain does this cell most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 19

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of the cytoplasmic membrane in eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of steroid lipids for membrane fluidity

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Contain catabolic enzymes for intracellular digestion

Cell Structure and Function in Microbiology: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards