Question 1

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between the domains Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have cell walls containing peptidoglycan, while Archaea do not.

Question 2

A microbiologist observes a chain of rod-shaped prokaryotic cells under the microscope. Which terms best describe the shape and arrangement of these cells?

Accepted Answer

Bacilli in a chain arrangement

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The cell copies its DNA, grows, and splits into two genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 4

Which feature of the prokaryotic plasma membrane is essential for energy production, given that prokaryotes lack mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

It contains proteins and enzymes for metabolic reactions such as ATP synthesis.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and Acid-Fast cell walls is correct?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and stain purple.

Question 6

A patient is infected with a bacterium that survives standard hospital sterilization procedures. Which structure is most likely responsible for this resistance?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 7

Which of the following transport mechanisms requires cellular energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 8

A scientist is studying a prokaryote with a cell wall that lacks peptidoglycan and has unique membrane lipids. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 9

Which extracellular structure is primarily responsible for the transfer of genetic material between prokaryotic cells during conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Pili

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the nucleoid in a prokaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

A region containing DNA, RNA, and proteins, not surrounded by a membrane.

Question 11

Which structure allows prokaryotic cells to adhere to surfaces and is important in the formation of biofilms?

Accepted Answer

Glycocalyx

Question 12

A researcher is comparing the ribosomes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Which observation supports the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain ribosomes similar to those of prokaryotes.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the prokaryotic cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining cell shape and organizing cell division

Question 14

A bacterium is observed to move toward a chemical attractant. Which structure is most directly responsible for this movement?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 15

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Movement of substances down their concentration gradient via specific membrane proteins, without energy input.

Question 16

A hospital-acquired infection is traced to a bacterium that forms a protective, sticky layer aiding in its attachment to medical devices. Which structure is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Glycocalyx

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the net movement of water during osmosis across a prokaryotic plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta \Psi = \Psi_{outside} - \Psi_{inside}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a key reason why endospores are a significant concern in healthcare environments?

Accepted Answer

They are highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and radiation, making sterilization difficult.

Question 19

A prokaryotic cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solutes than inside the cell. Which process will most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell by osmosis, causing the cell to shrink.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'selective barrier'?

Accepted Answer

It allows some substances to pass while restricting others based on size, charge, or solubility.

Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells: Structure, Function, and Diversity

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