Question 1

Which of the following best describes the theory of biogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Living organisms arise only from preexisting living organisms.

Question 2

Louis Pasteur’s experiment with the S-neck flask was significant because it demonstrated that:

Accepted Answer

Microbial contamination comes from preexisting microorganisms in the environment.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a goal of aseptic technique in healthcare and laboratory settings?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the growth of all types of microorganisms.

Question 4

Robert Koch’s postulates are used to:

Accepted Answer

Directly link a specific microbe to a specific disease.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an opportunistic pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Candida albicans causing a yeast infection after antibiotic therapy.

Question 6

Which process is described by the conversion of sugar to alcohol in the absence of air?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation

Question 7

Which equation best represents the conversion of glucose to ethanol and carbon dioxide during fermentation?

Accepted Answer

$C_6H_{12}O_6 \rightarrow 2C_2H_5OH + 2CO_2$

Question 8

Which of the following statements about normal microbiota is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Normal microbiota can produce essential vitamins such as vitamin K.

Question 9

A woman takes antibiotics for a urinary tract infection and subsequently develops a vaginal yeast infection. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Disruption of normal microbiota leading to an opportunistic infection.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct application of Koch’s postulates?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the suspected microbe from a diseased animal and grow it in pure culture.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of biofilms in clinical settings?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms contribute to persistent infections and antibiotic resistance.

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the classification and naming of microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Both genus and species names are italicized or underlined, with genus capitalized and species lowercase.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of bioremediation?

Accepted Answer

Using Pseudomonas to degrade oil spills in the environment.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why people with the sickle cell gene have a survival advantage in malaria-endemic regions?

Accepted Answer

The mutation in hemoglobin reduces the severity of malaria caused by Plasmodium.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct example of scientific nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

E. coli

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence in the taxonomic hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 17

Which of the following statements about recombinant DNA technology is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It refers to DNA resulting when genes from one organism are inserted into another organism.

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible reason for the emergence of new infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

Microbial mutation and changes in the environment.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct application of pasteurization?

Accepted Answer

Heating beverages to a high temperature for a short time to kill harmful bacteria without altering taste.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are chemicals produced naturally by bacteria and fungi that inhibit or kill other microbes.

Introduction to Microbiology: Basic Principles and Human Welfare

Study Guide - Practice Questions