Q: A solution has a pH of 4. What is the concentration of hydrogen ions $[H^+]$ in this solution?

$[H^+] = 1 \times 10^{-4} \ \mathrm{M}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the principle behind the germ theory of disease?

Accepted Answer

Diseases are caused by specific microorganisms invading the body.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 3

A student is observing a Gram-stained slide under a microscope and sees purple, rod-shaped cells arranged in chains. Which of the following best describes these bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacilli in chains

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a step in Koch's postulates?

Accepted Answer

The pathogen must be able to survive outside the host for at least 30 days.

Question 5

Which of the following chemical bonds is the strongest in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 4. What is the concentration of hydrogen ions $[H^+]$ in this solution?

Accepted Answer

$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10^{-4} \ \mathrm{M}$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why Mycobacterium species are acid-fast?

Accepted Answer

They possess a waxy cell wall rich in mycolic acids.

Question 8

Which of the following environmental factors is most likely to cause protein (enzyme) denaturation?

Accepted Answer

High temperature

Question 9

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells have circular DNA, while eukaryotic cells have linear chromosomes.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of bacterial endospores?

Accepted Answer

They allow bacteria to survive harsh environmental conditions.

Question 11

A scientist is testing a new antibiotic and sets up two groups: one receives the antibiotic, and the other receives a placebo. What is the purpose of the placebo group in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a control group for comparison.

Question 12

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Presence of an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage?

Accepted Answer

The phage causes immediate lysis of the host cell, releasing new viral particles.

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the bacterial capsule?

Accepted Answer

Protects against phagocytosis by host immune cells

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between oxidation and reduction reactions?

Accepted Answer

Oxidation is the loss of electrons; reduction is the gain of electrons.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers help maintain a stable pH by neutralizing added acids or bases.

Question 17

Which of the following is a distinguishing characteristic of fungi compared to bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Fungi have chitin in their cell walls.

Question 18

A patient presents with a parasitic infection caused by Taenia saginata. Which type of organism is responsible for this infection?

Accepted Answer

Cestode (tapeworm)

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why viruses are considered obligate intracellular parasites?

Accepted Answer

They require a host cell's machinery to replicate.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic organelles such as mitochondria originated from free-living bacteria engulfed by ancestral eukaryotes.

Comprehensive Study Guide for College Microbiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards