Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of microbes in the nitrogen cycle?

Accepted Answer

Microbes convert nitrogen gas ($$N_2) $$from the atmosphere into organic compounds usable by plants.

Question 2

Which statement about the microbiome is correct?

Accepted Answer

The microbiome is a stable group of microbes that live on or in the human body and help maintain health.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They have a distinct nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 5

What is the main difference between normal microbiota and transient microbiota?

Accepted Answer

Normal microbiota colonize the body indefinitely, while transient microbiota are present for a short time.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct application of Koch’s postulates?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating that a specific microbe causes a specific disease by isolating the microbe, infecting a healthy host, and recovering the same microbe.

Question 7

Which of the following is a eukaryotic microorganism with chitin cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 8

Which process is described by the equation $$C_6H_{12}O_6$ \rightarrow 2C_2H_5OH + 2CO_2$$ and is carried out by microbes?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a benefit provided by normal microbiota?

Accepted Answer

Causing infectious diseases

Question 10

Which of the following is a plausible reason for the emergence of new infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary changes such as antibiotic resistance

Question 11

Which of the following statements about viruses is correct?

Accepted Answer

Viruses are acellular and require a living host cell for replication.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Production of human insulin by genetically modified bacteria

Question 13

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for why bacteria in biofilms are often resistant to antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms provide a protective matrix that limits antibiotic penetration.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a domain in the classification of life?

Accepted Answer

Virus

Question 15

Which scientist developed the first synthetic drug to treat syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Paul Ehrlich

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct example of bioremediation?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria degrading oil spills in the ocean

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

All living things are composed of cells.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct example of an emerging infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Microbial conversion of sugar to alcohol in the absence of air

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic resistance can arise due to evolutionary changes in microbes.

Chapter 1: The Microbial World and You – Comprehensive Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions