Question 1

Which of the following best describes a major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.

Question 2

A patient presents with a bacterial infection. The bacteria are found to have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane. Which type of cell wall structure does this bacterium most likely possess?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive cell wall

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Active transport of ions across the membrane

Question 4

A microbiologist is comparing the ribosomes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Which statement is correct regarding their differences?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S, while eukaryotic cytoplasmic ribosomes are 80S.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why endospores are significant in medical microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Endospores allow bacteria to survive harsh environmental conditions, making infections difficult to eradicate.

Question 6

A scientist is studying the structure of bacterial flagella. Which of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial flagella are composed of the protein flagellin and are powered by a proton motive force.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of fimbriae in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and host tissues

Question 8

A Gram-negative bacterium is treated with a chemical that disrupts its outer membrane. What is the most likely immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to antibiotics and detergents

Question 9

Which of the following organelles is believed to have originated from an endosymbiotic event, according to the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 10

A researcher is analyzing the sugar and peptide components of bacterial cell walls. Which molecule is she most likely studying?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

It protects bacteria from phagocytosis by host immune cells.

Question 12

A Gram stain is performed on a bacterial sample. The cells appear pink under the microscope. What does this indicate about the cell wall structure?

Accepted Answer

The bacteria have an outer membrane and a thin peptidoglycan layer.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of the nucleoid in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where the cell's circular DNA is located, not surrounded by a membrane.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered semi-autonomous organelles?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes, and can replicate independently of the cell nucleus.

Question 15

A bacterial cell is exposed to lysozyme, which breaks the bonds between N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of the peptidoglycan layer, leading to cell lysis

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the main function of the bacterial endospore?

Accepted Answer

Survival under adverse environmental conditions

Question 17

A scientist is studying the process of sporulation in bacteria. Which of the following is a correct sequence of events?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication, septum formation, forespore development, cortex formation, spore coat synthesis

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the clinical significance of the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to antibiotics due to their outer membrane.

Question 19

Which of the following structures is directly involved in the process of conjugation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Pilus (sex pilus)

Question 20

A eukaryotic cell is observed to have an extensive network of internal membranes, including the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. What is the primary function of these organelles?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids

Cell Structure and Function in Microbiology: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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