Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of binary fission in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

A cell replicates its DNA, elongates, forms a cross wall, and divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 2

Which bacterial genus is responsible for causing anthrax and is known for forming endospores?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus

Question 3

A patient presents with spastic paralysis after a puncture wound. Which bacterial genus is most likely responsible, and what is the mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Clostridium; production of exotoxins that block inhibitory neurotransmitters

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a typical prokaryotic morphology?

Accepted Answer

Hyphal

Question 5

Which of the following statements about endospores is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Endospores are dormant, highly resistant structures formed by Bacillus and Clostridium species.

Question 6

Which of the following genera is a nitrogen-fixing alphaproteobacterium important in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Rhizobium

Question 7

A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming rod that can grow at refrigeration temperatures and cause fetal death is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Listeria monocytogenes

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why mycobacteria grow slowly?

Accepted Answer

They have a thick, waxy cell wall containing mycolic acids that slows nutrient uptake.

Question 9

Which staining technique is required to visualize Mycobacterium species?

Accepted Answer

Acid-fast stain

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a pathogenic spirochete and the disease it causes?

Accepted Answer

Treponema; syphilis

Question 11

Which of the following is a medically important function of Streptomyces?

Accepted Answer

Producing antibiotics such as tetracycline and erythromycin

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the arrangement 'streptococcus'?

Accepted Answer

Chains of spherical cells

Question 13

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of spirochetes?

Accepted Answer

Presence of endoflagella within the periplasmic space

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding Bacteroides species?

Accepted Answer

They are the most numerous organisms in the human colon and assist in digestion.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the classification of prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Classification is based on rRNA sequence relatedness and physiological characteristics.

Question 16

Which of the following genera is associated with the production of yogurt and cheese?

Accepted Answer

Lactobacillus

Question 17

A patient develops pneumonia after exposure to contaminated air conditioning ducts. Which Gram-negative bacterium is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Legionella

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly represents nitrogen fixation by bacteria?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{N_2$ + 8H^+ + 8e^- + 16ATP \rightarrow 2NH_3 + H_2$ + 16ADP + 16P_i}$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a common misconception about endospores?

Accepted Answer

Endospores are a reproductive strategy for bacteria.

Question 20

Which scientist is credited with developing rRNA sequencing for prokaryotic classification?

Accepted Answer

Carl Woese

Characterizing and Classifying Prokaryotes: Structure, Function, and Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions