Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between bacteria and archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have cell walls made of peptidoglycan, while archaea have cell walls made of other chemicals and can live in extreme environments.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a domain in the classification of microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 3

A scientist discovers a unicellular organism with a nucleus and cell walls made of chitin. To which group does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the structure of a virus?

Accepted Answer

A core of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct binomial nomenclature for a microorganism?

Accepted Answer

$$Escherichia~coli$$

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the human microbiome?

Accepted Answer

It helps digest certain foods and protects against pathogens.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about protozoa is correct?

Accepted Answer

Protozoa can move using pseudopods, flagella, or cilia.

Question 8

Which scientist is credited with first observing microorganisms using a microscope?

Accepted Answer

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why viruses are not considered living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They cannot reproduce independently and require a host cell.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a beneficial application of microbes in human welfare?

Accepted Answer

Bioremediation of environmental pollutants

Question 11

A patient is diagnosed with an infection caused by MRSA. What does MRSA stand for, and why is it a concern?

Accepted Answer

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; it is resistant to many antibiotics.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a branch of microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Entomology

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the process of bioremediation?

Accepted Answer

Using microbes to break down environmental pollutants

Question 14

Which of the following statements about algae is correct?

Accepted Answer

Algae are photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the cell wall composition of bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial cell walls are made of peptidoglycan.

Question 16

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the concept of spontaneous generation?

Accepted Answer

The idea that living organisms arise from nonliving matter.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of an emerging infectious disease discussed in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Zika virus

Question 19

A researcher is using recombinant DNA technology to produce insulin. Which branch of microbiology does this work most closely relate to?

Accepted Answer

Molecular genetics

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of peptidoglycan in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It is a carbohydrate and protein complex that forms the bacterial cell wall.

Introduction to Microbiology: Microbes in Our Lives, Classification, and Historical Perspectives

Study Guide - Practice Questions