Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a key structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus surrounded by a nuclear envelope, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.

Question 2

A bacterium is found to have a thick peptidoglycan layer, teichoic acids, and stains purple with the Gram stain. Which type of cell wall does it possess?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive

Question 3

Which component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall is responsible for the clinical syndrome of septic shock?

Accepted Answer

Lipid A of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 4

A patient is treated with penicillin, which targets bacterial cell walls. Why are human cells not affected by this antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

Human cells lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Adherence to surfaces and other cells

Question 6

Which scientist is credited with inventing the Gram stain, a critical diagnostic tool in microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Hans Christian Gram

Question 7

A bacterium is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the most likely outcome for the bacterial cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water and undergo plasmolysis.

Question 8

Which of the following structures is found in both mitochondria and chloroplasts, supporting the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Circular DNA and 70S ribosomes

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins for export

Question 11

A bacterium with a capsule is more likely to:

Accepted Answer

Be protected from phagocytosis by host immune cells

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by all living cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a nucleus

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are believed to have originated from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They contain circular DNA and 70S ribosomes similar to bacteria.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the movement of bacterial flagella?

Accepted Answer

They rotate 360 degrees, allowing the cell to swim.

Question 15

Which of the following is a unique feature of Gram-positive bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Thick peptidoglycan layer with teichoic acids

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Digestion of old organelles and phagocytosed material

Question 17

A bacterium is found to survive extreme heat, radiation, and chemicals. Which structure is most likely responsible for this resistance?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 19

Which of the following statements about osmosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of pili in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of DNA between cells during conjugation

Cell Structure and Function: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards