Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why prokaryotic cells are generally much smaller than eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

A high surface area-to-volume ratio in small cells allows for efficient diffusion of nutrients and waste.

Question 2

A bacterium is placed in a hypertonic solution. Predict what will happen to the cell and explain the process involved.

Accepted Answer

Water will leave the cell, causing it to shrink as the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the main difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of the bacterial plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 5

A scientist isolates a prokaryote from a hot spring with a cell wall that contains mycolic acids and resists Gram staining. Which staining technique should be used and what is the likely genus?

Accepted Answer

Acid-fast stain; Mycobacterium

Question 6

Which of the following structures is primarily responsible for bacterial motility and can be arranged as monotrichous, lophotrichous, amphitrichous, or peritrichous?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why Mycoplasma species are naturally resistant to many antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis?

Accepted Answer

They lack a cell wall and instead have a sterol-enriched plasma membrane.

Question 8

Which of the following is a key function of bacterial pili (fimbriae)?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and exchange of genetic material

Question 9

Methanogens are a group of archaea that play a critical role in which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

Methane production during the digestion of cellulose in ruminants

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of binary fission in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

The cell replicates its DNA, elongates, forms a septum, and divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 11

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Archaea compared to Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Archaea are more closely related to Eukarya at the molecular level.

Question 12

A patient is diagnosed with a severe infection. A Gram stain is performed on a sample, and the bacteria appear pink under the microscope. What does this indicate about the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

The bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the glycocalyx (capsule or slime layer) in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It helps bacteria adhere to surfaces and protects them from desiccation and immune responses.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding endospores?

Accepted Answer

They are metabolically inactive structures that allow certain bacteria to survive harsh conditions.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why Gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants than Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They have an outer membrane that acts as a selective barrier and contains porins.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about passive and active transport across the bacterial plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient using energy, while passive transport moves substances down their gradient without energy.

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of bacterial inclusion bodies?

Accepted Answer

Storage of surplus nutrients and sites of viral replication

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of genetic material in most prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

A single circular DNA molecule located in the nucleoid region

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world application of methanogenic archaea?

Accepted Answer

Wastewater treatment and bioremediation

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct example of a pleomorphic bacterium?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium that can change its shape depending on environmental conditions

Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells – Structure, Classification, and Clinical Relevance

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards