Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why prokaryotic cells tend to be small in size?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Which of the following is a key structural difference between bacterial and archaeal plasma membranes?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have linear fatty acids, while archaea have long-branched fatty acids in their phospholipids.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water, and plasmolysis may occur.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

DNA is replicated, the cell elongates, a septum forms, and two daughter cells are produced.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Streptobacilli

Question 6

Which of the following is a clinically significant reason for identifying whether a bacterium is Gram-positive or Gram-negative?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria are typically more resistant to chemical agents due to their outer membrane.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of porins in Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They form nonspecific channels that allow certain substances to pass through the outer membrane.

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Which cell wall property is most responsible for the need for long, multidrug therapy?

Accepted Answer

The presence of mycolic acid, which makes the cell wall waxy and impermeable to many drugs.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing peptidoglycan for the cell wall.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the movement of water during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration.

Question 11

Which of the following structures is primarily responsible for motility in many bacteria and is built from the protein flagellin?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the glycocalyx in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It helps bacteria adhere to surfaces, protects from desiccation, and offers some protection against antibiotics.

Question 13

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Gram-positive cell walls?

Accepted Answer

A thick peptidoglycan layer and the presence of teichoic acids.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of inclusion bodies in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They store useful substances such as nutrients or enzymes.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding endospores?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following transport mechanisms requires energy and can move substances against a concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 17

A bacterium with peritrichous flagella would be expected to have flagella:

Accepted Answer

Distributed all over the cell surface.

Question 18

Which of the following is a property of pleomorphic bacteria that can impact their ability to cause infection?

Accepted Answer

They can assume different shapes, enhancing survival and transmission.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

A region containing the cell’s single, circular chromosome.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the prokaryotic ribosome?

Accepted Answer

It is a 70S ribosome composed of a 50S large subunit and a 30S small subunit.

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

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