Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleus containing DNA, while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus.

Question 2

Which of the following groups of microorganisms is correctly matched with its cell wall composition?

Accepted Answer

Algae – cellulose cell walls

Question 3

A scientist observes a single-celled organism with a nucleus and chitin in its cell wall. Which group does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why viruses are considered acellular?

Accepted Answer

They consist of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat and lack cellular structure.

Question 5

Which scientist is credited with disproving the theory of spontaneous generation using a swan-neck flask experiment?

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with a disease caused by a protozoan. Which of the following characteristics is most likely true of the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

It is a eukaryote that may move using pseudopods, cilia, or flagella.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function performed by microbes in the environment?

Accepted Answer

Causing all known diseases in humans

Question 8

Which of the following best describes Koch’s postulates?

Accepted Answer

A series of experimental steps to demonstrate that a specific microbe causes a specific disease.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of bioremediation?

Accepted Answer

Using bacteria to degrade oil spills in the ocean

Question 10

Which of the following statements about normal microbiota is correct?

Accepted Answer

They protect the host and produce nutrients.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct example of scientific nomenclature according to Linnaeus’s system?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli

Question 12

A researcher is studying a microbe that thrives in extremely salty environments and lacks peptidoglycan in its cell wall. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of biofilms in human health?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms can cause infections and are often resistant to antibiotics.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of an emerging infectious disease (EID)?

Accepted Answer

Zika virus disease

Question 15

Which of the following statements about antibiotics is correct?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are chemicals produced by bacteria and fungi that inhibit or kill other microbes.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of vaccination as pioneered by Edward Jenner?

Accepted Answer

Inoculating a person with a harmless or less harmful microbe to induce immunity against a more dangerous one

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the three domains of life as classified by Carl Woese?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria and Archaea are both prokaryotes, but Archaea often live in extreme environments.

Question 18

A patient is infected with a pathogen that is only able to replicate inside living host cells and consists of a nucleic acid core surrounded by a protein coat. Which type of microbe is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Virus

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of biotechnology using recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Engineering bacteria to produce human insulin

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the contribution of Joseph Lister to microbiology?

Accepted Answer

He performed surgery under aseptic conditions using phenol, proving that microbes caused surgical wound infections.

Chapter 1: The Microbial World and You – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards