Question 1

Which scientist is credited with disproving the theory of spontaneous generation and developing aseptic techniques in microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 2

A bacterium is classified as a chemolithoautotroph. Which of the following best describes its energy and carbon sources?

Accepted Answer

Energy from inorganic chemicals, carbon from CO$$_2$$

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of bacterial biofilms?

Accepted Answer

Increasing susceptibility to antibiotics

Question 4

What is the main structural difference between the cell membranes of Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have fatty acids, Archaea have isoprenes

Question 5

A culture of E. coli starts with $$10^2$$ cells and grows to $$10^5$$ cells in 6 hours. Using the formula $$\$$logN_t = $$logN_0 + 0.30n$$\$$ where n = t/g$, what is the generation time g$?

Accepted Answer

$$g = 0.6 h$$

Question 6

Which of the following statements about peptidoglycan is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is a rigid polysaccharide layer providing strength to bacterial cell walls

Question 7

Which process is responsible for the primary productivity in the open oceans?

Accepted Answer

Phototrophy by Cyanobacteriota (Cyanobacteria)

Question 8

Which of the following is a major reason why many bacteria are difficult to cultivate in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Most environmental bacteria require specific growth conditions not replicated in standard media

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct description of the Gram-positive cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Contains up to 90% peptidoglycan and teichoic acids

Question 10

Which enzyme is responsible for destroying toxic oxygen species in aerobic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Superoxide dismutase

Question 11

Which of the following is a key feature of thermophilic enzymes that allows them to function at high temperatures?

Accepted Answer

Highly hydrophobic interiors and increased number of ionic bonds

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of teichoic acids in Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They maintain porosity, anchor the cell wall, and capture essential cations

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a typical adaptation of psychrophilic (cold-loving) bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Increase GC content in RNA

Question 14

Which of the following is the most important factor for defining a bacterial species?

Accepted Answer

Overall genome similarity estimated via ANI

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of magnetosomes in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They allow migration along magnetic field lines (magnetotaxis)

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE about endospores?

Accepted Answer

They are highly differentiated cells resistant to heat, chemicals, and radiation

Question 17

Which of the following is a major function of bacterial capsules and slime layers?

Accepted Answer

Protection from desiccation and immune systems

Question 18

Which of the following statements about bacterial motility is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Flagella rotate to propel bacteria forward; counterclockwise rotation results in a run

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of chemotaxis in E. coli?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria respond to temporal differences in chemical concentration

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of the FtsZ protein in bacterial cell division?

Accepted Answer

It forms a ring around the center of the cell and is essential for cell division

Introduction to Microbiology: Systematics, Diversity, and Cell Structure

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