Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main advantage of the three-domain system over the two-kingdom system in microbial classification?

Accepted Answer

It uses molecular data, such as rRNA sequences, to reflect evolutionary relationships.

Question 2

Which scientist is credited with developing the three-domain system based on rRNA nucleotide sequences?

Accepted Answer

Woese

Question 3

A newly discovered microorganism is found to have a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan, membrane lipids with ester-linked fatty acids, and its first amino acid in protein synthesis is formylmethionine. To which domain does it most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic used to differentiate the three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 5

In binomial nomenclature, which of the following correctly represents the scientific name of an organism?

Accepted Answer

Genus and specific epithet

Question 6

A population of cells derived from a single parent cell is referred to as a:

Accepted Answer

Clone

Question 7

Which of the following methods is most useful for identifying bacteria that cannot be cultured in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) such as PCR

Question 8

A rapid at-home COVID-19 test is an example of which type of serological assay?

Accepted Answer

Direct ELISA

Question 9

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of DNA base composition for classification purposes?

Accepted Answer

$GC + AT = 100\%$

Question 10

If two organisms show a nucleic acid hybridization value of greater than 70%, what does this indicate about their relationship?

Accepted Answer

They are likely the same species.

Question 11

Which of the following is a major limitation of using morphology alone to classify bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Morphology tells little about phylogenetic relationships.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about viruses is correct?

Accepted Answer

Viruses require a host cell for replication.

Question 13

A dichotomous key is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A series of successive questions with two possible answers each for identification.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the kingdom Fungi?

Accepted Answer

Cell walls of cellulose

Question 15

Which method uses fluorescent DNA or RNA probes to stain microorganisms and determine their identity, abundance, and activity in an environment?

Accepted Answer

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world application of rapid biochemical identification methods?

Accepted Answer

Identifying enteric bacteria in clinical samples within 24 hours

Question 17

Which of the following statements about scientific nomenclature is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It allows for consistent and accurate naming of organisms worldwide.

Question 18

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Archaea compared to Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have membrane lipids with ether linkages.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology?

Accepted Answer

To provide identification schemes for bacteria and archaea based on morphology, chemical tests, and molecular data.

Question 20

A clinical laboratory is attempting to identify an unknown bacterium. Which combination of tests would provide the most comprehensive identification?

Accepted Answer

Biochemical tests, serological tests, and molecular sequencing

Classification and Identification of Microorganisms: Chapter 10 Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards