Question 1

Which of the following statements best distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells have a single circular chromosome not enclosed by a membrane.

Question 2

A bacterium is observed to have a thick peptidoglycan layer, teichoic acids, and is highly susceptible to penicillin. Which type of cell wall does it most likely possess?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive

Question 3

Which structure allows bacteria to move toward or away from chemical stimuli, and what is the mechanism of movement?

Accepted Answer

Flagella; rotation to run or tumble

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of the glycocalyx in pathogenic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It prevents phagocytosis and aids in adherence to surfaces.

Question 5

A patient is infected with a bacterium that is resistant to penicillin due to the presence of an outer membrane. Which cell wall structure is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Thin peptidoglycan with an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct description of facilitated diffusion across the prokaryotic plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Movement of ions or large molecules through specific transporter proteins down their concentration gradient

Question 7

Which bacterial structure is directly involved in the transfer of DNA between cells during conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation pili

Question 8

A bacterium is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the expected movement of water, and what is the likely outcome for the cell?

Accepted Answer

Water moves out of the cell; cell undergoes plasmolysis.

Question 9

Which of the following antibiotics acts by inhibiting the formation of peptide cross-bridges in peptidoglycan?

Accepted Answer

Penicillin

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the composition of the bacterial cell wall in Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Pseudomurein lacking N-acetylmuramic acid and D-amino acids

Question 11

Which of the following inclusions would you expect to find in a photosynthetic bacterium for carbon fixation?

Accepted Answer

Carboxysomes

Question 12

A laboratory technician stains a bacterial sample with carbolfuchsin and observes that the stain is not removed by acid-alcohol. Which type of cell wall does this bacterium most likely have?

Accepted Answer

Acid-fast

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the prokaryotic cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining cell shape and assisting in cell division

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why gram-negative bacteria are less susceptible to penicillin than gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that blocks penicillin from reaching its target.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of the bacterial capsule?

Accepted Answer

Motility

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of sporulation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A survival mechanism producing a dormant, resistant cell

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the movement of water during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Water moves from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Question 18

Which of the following structures is responsible for the antigenic specificity of gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Teichoic acids

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of plasmids in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They carry nonessential genes, such as those for antibiotic resistance.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why endospores are significant in the food industry?

Accepted Answer

They can survive harsh conditions, making sterilization difficult.

Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Microbiology Study Guide

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