Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic membranes contain phospholipids and sterols, while prokaryotic membranes generally lack sterols.

Question 2

A microbiologist is studying a microorganism that has a nucleus, mitochondria, and a phospholipid bilayer. Which domain does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya

Question 3

Which of the following statements about viral replication is correct?

Accepted Answer

All viruses use host ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Question 4

A Gram-negative bacterium is characterized by which of the following cell envelope features?

Accepted Answer

Thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

They require host cell machinery for replication and metabolism.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with malaria. Which eukaryotic microorganism is responsible for this disease, and what is its main mechanism of pathogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium falciparum; invades RBCs via MSP proteins

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of bacterial pili?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and conjugation (DNA transfer)

Question 9

A researcher is using a plaque assay to quantify a virus. What is being measured in this assay?

Accepted Answer

The number of infectious virus particles capable of forming plaques

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the S-layer in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

It is a protein array that provides structural support and protection.

Question 11

Which of the following is a key feature distinguishing Archaea from Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Unique plasma membrane lipids with ether linkages

Question 12

A microbiologist is culturing bacteria on a selective medium. What is the main purpose of using a selective medium?

Accepted Answer

To inhibit the growth of certain bacteria while allowing others to grow

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of viruses?

Accepted Answer

Viral genomes can be DNA or RNA, single-stranded or double-stranded, linear or circular.

Question 15

A patient is infected with a bacterium that is classified as an obligate aerobe. Which of the following best describes its growth requirements?

Accepted Answer

It requires oxygen for growth and cannot grow without it.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a eukaryotic organelle and its function?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast: photosynthesis

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the Black Death had such a significant historical impact?

Accepted Answer

It led to major advances in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Question 18

A scientist is using rRNA sequencing to classify a newly discovered microorganism. Which major insight did Carl Woese contribute to this field?

Accepted Answer

Discovery of the three domains of life based on rRNA sequences

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of reverse transcriptase in viral replication?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes DNA from an RNA template.

Question 20

A microbiologist is measuring bacterial growth using colony-forming units (CFU). Which of the following best describes what is being measured?

Accepted Answer

The number of viable bacteria capable of forming colonies

Comprehensive Study Notes: Foundations of Microbiology

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