Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why bacteria are generally more efficient at nutrient and waste exchange than larger eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have a higher surface area to volume ratio, which supports greater nutrient and waste exchange per unit cell volume.

Question 2

A scientist is trying to observe a virus that is approximately 100 nm in diameter. Which type of microscope should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Electron microscope, because it is suitable for objects in the 1 nm to 1 µm range.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a property shared by all cells?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer

Question 4

A bacterial cell is found to have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane. Which type of cell wall does it have?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and protects against osmotic lysis.

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with Lyme disease. Which of the following best explains how Borrelia burgdorferi avoids detection by the host immune system?

Accepted Answer

It produces an outer membrane vesicle that destroys its own flagellum, hiding it from immune recognition.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between a naked virus and an enveloped virus?

Accepted Answer

A naked virus has only a nucleocapsid, while an enveloped virus has a nucleocapsid plus a lipid bilayer and glycoproteins.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the cytoplasmic membrane in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of molecule movement, energy generation, and environmental sensing

Question 9

A researcher observes a bacterial colony with a grape-like cluster of spherical cells. Which term best describes this arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococci

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why archaea are able to survive in extreme environments?

Accepted Answer

Their cell walls are made from pseudomurein, which provides stability in harsh conditions.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the process of group translocation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A substance is chemically modified as it is transported into the cell, using energy from an organic compound.

Question 12

Which of the following is a key feature of prokaryotic DNA?

Accepted Answer

It is typically a single circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region.

Question 13

A patient with Lyme-associated arthritis is found to have high levels of anti-IgG antibodies in their joint fluid. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is an immune response against Borrelia burgdorferi peptidoglycan.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of a virion surface protein?

Accepted Answer

It is important for host cell attachment and may include enzymes involved in infection or replication.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the movement of solute in facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement from high concentration to low concentration with the aid of a protein

Question 16

Which of the following is a property of prions?

Accepted Answer

They are infectious misfolded proteins that can cause fatal brain diseases.

Question 17

A bacterial cell is placed in an isotonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

There will be no net movement of water, and the cell membrane will remain attached to the cell wall.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains how the proton motive force is generated in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Through energy source use, specifically by the electron transport chain

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of ABC transporters in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They use ATP to drive the uptake of organic and inorganic compounds.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of peptidoglycan in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and determines cell shape.

Fundamental Concepts in Microbiology: Cell Structure, Classification, and Pathogenicity

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