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 cell wall

Question 3

Which structure allows bacteria to move toward or away from chemical stimuli, and what is this movement called?

Accepted Answer

Flagella; taxis

Question 4

A scientist isolates a bacterium with the following characteristics: outer membrane, thin peptidoglycan, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Which of the following is true about this bacterium?

Accepted Answer

It is Gram-negative and produces both endotoxins and exotoxins.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It contributes to virulence by preventing phagocytosis and aiding in biofilm formation.

Question 6

Which arrangement describes a cubelike group of eight cocci?

Accepted Answer

Sarcinae

Question 7

A patient is infected with a bacterium that is resistant to phagocytosis and forms biofilms on medical devices. Which structure is most likely responsible for these properties?

Accepted Answer

Capsule (a type of glycocalyx)

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct description of the peptidoglycan structure in bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

It is a polymer of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) linked by polypeptides.

Question 9

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 restricts entry of penicillin.

Question 10

A bacterium is observed to move in a corkscrew motion. Which structure is responsible for this type of motility?

Accepted Answer

Axial filaments (endoflagella)

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of teichoic acids in Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They regulate movement of cations and provide antigenic specificity.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference in flagellar structure between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have four rings in the basal body; Gram-positive have two.

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding the Gram stain mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol dehydrates the thick peptidoglycan in Gram-positive cells, trapping the crystal violet-iodine complex.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of the presence of Lipid A in Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It acts as an endotoxin, triggering fever and septic shock in infected patients.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of Streptococcus bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Chains of cocci

Question 16

A hospital-acquired infection is traced to a biofilm on a catheter. Which bacterial structure is most directly involved in the initial attachment to the catheter surface?

Accepted Answer

Fimbriae

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about bacterial conjugation?

Accepted Answer

It involves the transfer of DNA via conjugation pili.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why Archaea are not affected by antibiotics that target peptidoglycan synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have pseudomurein cell walls, not peptidoglycan.

Question 19

A bacterium is identified as Bacillus anthracis. Which of the following is true about its scientific name and shape?

Accepted Answer

Its scientific name is Bacillus and its shape is bacillus.

Chapter 4 - Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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