Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a key difference between the domains Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while Archaea have pseudopeptidoglycan.

Question 2

Why are prokaryotic cells generally smaller than eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Their small size allows for a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, facilitating efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Question 3

A bacterium that can change its shape depending on environmental conditions is described as:

Accepted Answer

Pleomorphic

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The cell copies its DNA, grows, forms a septum, and splits into two identical daughter cells.

Question 5

Which of the following arrangements describes a chain of rod-shaped bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Streptobacilli

Question 6

A patient is infected with a bacterium that stains red/pink after Gram staining. Which of the following is most likely true about this bacterium?

Accepted Answer

It has a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide.

Question 7

Which of the following is a clinically important consequence of the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a selective barrier, making Gram-negative bacteria more resistant to certain chemicals and drugs.

Question 8

Which of the following genera are acid-fast and why is the acid-fast stain clinically useful?

Accepted Answer

Nocardia and Mycobacterium; the stain detects mycolic acid in their cell walls, which makes them resistant to many drugs.

Question 9

A bacterium is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water, and plasmolysis may occur.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes primary active transport in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to move substances through channels or carrier proteins, often against a concentration gradient.

Question 11

Which structure allows spirochetes to move in a corkscrew motion?

Accepted Answer

Periplasmic flagella (axial filaments)

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the glycocalyx in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Providing motility

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

A region containing a single, circular chromosome

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct description of prokaryotic ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

They are 70S ribosomes composed of 50S and 30S subunits.

Question 15

Which of the following is true about endospores?

Accepted Answer

They are dormant, highly resistant structures formed by certain bacteria to survive harsh conditions.

Question 16

A hospital-acquired infection is traced to a surface contaminated with a dormant, highly resistant bacterial structure. Which genus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Clostridioides

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why acid-fast bacteria require long, multidrug therapies?

Accepted Answer

Their waxy cell wall containing mycolic acid prevents drugs from easily entering the cell.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of inclusion bodies in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Storage of useful substances such as enzymes or magnetic iron

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

They stabilize the cell wall, help maintain shape, transport cations, and aid in regulation of division.

Question 20

A scientist observes a bacterium with a tuft of flagella at one pole. What is the correct term for this flagellar arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Lophotrichous

Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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