Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'normal microbiota' in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Normal microbiota are microbes that typically inhabit specific locations in the body and may include potential pathogens.

Question 2

Louis Pasteur contributed significantly to microbiology by proposing the germ theory of disease. Which of the following best summarizes the germ theory?

Accepted Answer

Microorganisms can invade other organisms and cause infectious diseases.

Question 3

Which process did Pasteur develop to prevent spoilage and kill pathogens in food and beverages?

Accepted Answer

Pasteurization

Question 4

Christian Gram developed a staining technique that differentiates bacteria based on their cell wall structure. What is the primary difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Question 5

Koch's postulates are a set of criteria designed to establish a causative relationship between a microbe and a disease. Which of the following is NOT one of Koch's postulates?

Accepted Answer

The agent must be able to survive outside the host for at least 30 days.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why changes in the human microbiome may increase the risk of certain chronic diseases?

Accepted Answer

Alterations in microbiome profiles can disrupt protective functions and allow potential pathogens to thrive.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct example of binomial nomenclature for a bacterial species?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 8

A scientist isolates a microbe from a patient and grows it in pure culture. When the microbe is introduced into a healthy animal, the animal develops the same disease. What is the next step according to Koch's postulates?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the microbe from the diseased animal and compare it to the original isolate.

Question 9

Which of the following groups of microorganisms are eukaryotic and can be unicellular or multicellular, often growing as long filaments or reproducing by budding?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 10

Which of the following statements about viruses is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Viruses are acellular and can only multiply within a host cell.

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of the percentage of germs killed by a hand sanitizer, if the sanitizer kills 99.9% of germs and there are $2,000,000$ germs present?

Accepted Answer

$2,000,000 	imes 0.999$

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a domain in the universal tree of life?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of microbes influencing human behavior or physiology?

Accepted Answer

Gut bacteria affecting decision making and mental health.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between species and strain in bacterial classification?

Accepted Answer

A species is a group of organisms with similar characteristics, while a strain is a genetic variant within that species.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct application of a dichotomous key in microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Using a series of yes/no questions to identify an unknown microbe based on its characteristics.

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They lack a membrane-bound nucleus.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible reason why antibiotics may fail to cure an infection, as depicted in the cartoon with the sick microbe?

Accepted Answer

The patient did not complete the full course of antibiotics, allowing resistant microbes to survive.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT considered a microbe?

Accepted Answer

Rocks

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the majority of normal microbiota is harmless to humans?

Accepted Answer

They compete with potential pathogens for resources and space, preventing infection.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the industrial uses of microbes?

Accepted Answer

Microbes are used in the production of antibiotics, food fermentation, and pollution control.

Introduction to Microbiology: BIO 359 Study Notes for Nurses

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards