Question 1

Which of the following best defines a bacterial strain?

Accepted Answer

A population of bacteria that are genetically identical and descended from a single cell.

Question 2

Which of the following structures is present in ALL types of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic)?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 3

A bacterium is observed to have a single flagellum at each end of its cell. What is the correct term for this flagellar arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Amphitrichous

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the glycocalyx is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It helps bacteria evade phagocytosis by host immune cells.

Question 5

Which group of bacteria possesses axial filaments, and how does this structure affect their movement?

Accepted Answer

Spirochetes; enables corkscrew-like movement through viscous environments.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between pili and fimbriae in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Pili are few and used for DNA transfer; fimbriae are numerous and used for attachment.

Question 7

Which major component is found in the cell wall of bacteria and is targeted by the enzyme lysozyme?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan

Question 8

A laboratory technician performs a Gram stain and observes pink/red cells under the microscope. Which structural feature is most likely present in these bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide

Question 9

Which of the following statements about Mycoplasma is correct?

Accepted Answer

It lacks a cell wall and has sterols in its plasma membrane.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

They are small, circular DNA molecules that often carry genes for antibiotic resistance.

Question 11

Endospores are clinically significant because:

Accepted Answer

They allow bacteria to survive harsh conditions, making infections difficult to eradicate.

Question 12

Which of the following eukaryotic kingdoms contains organisms with cell walls composed primarily of chitin?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 13

Which of the following statements correctly compares eukaryotic and prokaryotic flagella?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic flagella are composed of microtubules arranged in a 9+2 pattern, while prokaryotic flagella are composed of flagellin protein.

Question 14

Which of the following is a dimorphic fungus?

Accepted Answer

It can exist as both a yeast and a mold depending on environmental conditions.

Question 15

A patient is diagnosed with a mycosis. What does this term refer to?

Accepted Answer

A fungal infection in the body.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between antigenic drift and antigenic shift in influenza viruses?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic drift involves small, gradual mutations; antigenic shift involves major genetic reassortment leading to new viral subtypes.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about prions is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are infectious proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Question 18

A bacteriophage infects a bacterium and integrates its genome into the host chromosome, remaining dormant. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Lysogenic replication

Question 19

Which of the following is a key reason why RNA viruses evolve faster than DNA viruses?

Accepted Answer

RNA viruses have higher mutation rates due to lack of proofreading during replication.

Question 20

A patient is infected with a virus that can cause cancer by integrating its genome into host DNA and altering cell cycle regulation. Which term best describes this virus, and which is a classic example?

Accepted Answer

Oncogenic virus; Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Comprehensive Study Notes: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, Viruses, and Prions

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards