Question 1

Which scientist is credited as the 'Father of Microbiology' for being the first to observe and describe living microorganisms using a microscope?

Accepted Answer

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Question 2

Which group of microorganisms lacks a nucleus and is considered prokaryotic?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria and Archaea

Question 3

What is the main significance of the Gram stain technique in microbiology?

Accepted Answer

It distinguishes bacteria based on differences in cell wall structure.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about fungi is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

They are photosynthetic.

Question 5

What is the general term for using chemicals to destroy or inhibit microbial growth on living tissue?

Accepted Answer

Antisepsis

Question 6

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with viruses?

Accepted Answer

They can reproduce independently.

Question 7

The first true vaccine developed in history protected against a disease caused by what type of pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Virus

Question 8

Which process involves inserting a viral gene into yeast cells to produce a viral protein for vaccine production?

Accepted Answer

Recombinant DNA technology

Question 9

Which scientist is credited with the discovery of penicillin?

Accepted Answer

Alexander Fleming

Question 10

What is the main purpose of a taxonomic system in biology?

Accepted Answer

To classify, name, and organize organisms based on relationships

Question 11

Which structural component is NOT found in bacterial flagella?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 12

Which bacterial structures contribute significantly to biofilm formation?

Accepted Answer

Fimbriae and glycocalyx

Question 13

What is the primary chemical composition of the bacterial glycocalyx (slime layer or capsule)?

Accepted Answer

Polysaccharides

Question 14

Why do Mycoplasma bacteria require an isotonic environment to survive?

Accepted Answer

They lack cell walls.

Question 15

Which type of membrane is necessary for osmosis to occur?

Accepted Answer

Selectively permeable membrane

Question 16

What internal structure is characteristic of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells and increases surface area for ATP production?

Accepted Answer

Cristae

Question 17

Which compound gives acid-fast bacteria their unique staining characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Mycolic acid

Question 18

In which organisms might the cytoplasmic membrane contain branched hydrocarbons?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 19

Which group of bacteria possesses an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria

Question 20

What would happen if Safranin were omitted during the Gram staining procedure?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria would appear colorless.

Essential Microbiology Study Notes: Cell Structure, Staining, and Microbial Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions