Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the function of biofilms in a medical context?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms protect mucous membranes from harmful microbes and can also cause infections on medical implants by forming a barrier against antibiotics.

Question 2

A scientist isolates a bacterium with a thick peptidoglycan layer and teichoic acids in its cell wall. Which type of cell wall does this bacterium possess?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive cell wall

Question 3

Which process is responsible for the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria via a pilus?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 4

During glycolysis, how many net ATP molecules are produced per molecule of glucose, and where does this process occur in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

2 net ATP; cytosol

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the overall process of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

Question 6

A patient develops a secondary infection after being treated for influenza. Which term best describes the causative agent of the secondary infection?

Accepted Answer

Opportunistic pathogen

Question 7

Which of the following is a property unique to prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA organized in a single circular chromosome not enclosed by a membrane

Question 8

Which phase of the bacterial population growth curve is characterized by equal rates of cell growth and cell death due to depleted nutrients?

Accepted Answer

Stationary phase

Question 9

A chemical agent is used to clean a thermometer that will contact mucous membranes but is not invasive. What level of germicide is required?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate-level germicide

Question 10

Which of the following statements about plasmids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids replicate independently and can carry genes for antibiotic resistance.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a method of physical control of microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic treatment

Question 12

A bacterium is found to grow optimally at 10°C and can survive at -5°C. Which temperature adaptation group does it belong to?

Accepted Answer

Psychrophile

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of enzymes in metabolic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes act as biological catalysts by lowering the energy of activation.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct description of the Gram stain procedure?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive cells retain the primary stain and appear purple, while Gram-negative cells appear red after counterstaining.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of pyruvic acid to ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide by yeast in bread making

Question 16

Which of the following statements about viruses is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Viruses lack machinery for synthesizing proteins and must use host cells for replication.

Question 17

A patient is infected with a bacterium that produces a capsule. What is the most likely effect of this capsule on the host's immune response?

Accepted Answer

The capsule prevents phagocytosis, increasing the bacterium's virulence.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the animal virus multiplication cycle?

Accepted Answer

Adsorption, penetration, uncoating, synthesis, assembly, release

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of tRNA during translation?

Accepted Answer

tRNA brings the proper amino acids to the ribosome by matching its anticodon to the mRNA codon.

Comprehensive Review Notes for Microbiology Final Exam

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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