Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while archaea do not.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a microorganism that thrives in extremely salty environments and lacks peptidoglycan in its cell wall. Which domain does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered a living microorganism?

Accepted Answer

Viruses

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why less than 1% of all microbes are pathogenic?

Accepted Answer

Most microbes play beneficial roles in ecosystems and human health.

Question 5

Which scientist is credited with disproving spontaneous generation and demonstrating that biogenesis is responsible for the propagation of life?

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 6

A hospital is experiencing an increase in healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). Which of the following aseptic techniques would be most effective in reducing HAIs?

Accepted Answer

Washing hands, wearing gloves, sterilizing instruments, and decontaminating surfaces

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct application of Koch’s postulates in identifying the causative agent of a disease?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the suspected microbe from a diseased host, grow it in pure culture, and demonstrate it causes disease when introduced into a healthy host.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of normal microbiota in human health?

Accepted Answer

They train the immune system, produce vitamins, and help digest food.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of microbial remediation?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria degrading organic matter in sewage and detoxifying pollutants such as mercury

Question 10

Which of the following statements about viruses is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Viruses can only replicate when inside a living host cell.

Question 11

Which scientist developed the first vaccine against smallpox and what is the significance of this discovery?

Accepted Answer

Edward Jenner; it demonstrated that exposure to a less virulent virus could confer immunity to a deadly disease.

Question 12

Which of the following is a benefit provided by microbes in industrial applications?

Accepted Answer

Production of chemicals such as ethanol and acetone

Question 13

A patient is infected with a microbe that only causes disease when the immune system is compromised. What type of pathogen is this?

Accepted Answer

Opportunistic pathogen

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct description of biofilms?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms are communities of microbes that attach to surfaces and grow into masses.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of a microbe used as a biological insecticide?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus thuringiensis

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of fermentation as demonstrated by Louis Pasteur?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation is the conversion of sugar to alcohol by microbes, which is used to make beer and wine.

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly 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 18

Which of the following is a function of transient microbiota?

Accepted Answer

They are temporary passengers that do not persist as stable residents and can be removed through hygiene.

Question 19

Which scientist is credited with the discovery of penicillin, and what was the significance of this discovery?

Accepted Answer

Alexander Fleming; it led to the development of antibiotics that could kill bacteria.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

It involves combining DNA from two different sources to produce new genetic combinations.

Introduction to Microbiology: Microorganisms, Their Roles, and Types

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards