Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells rely on diffusion for nutrient uptake, and a high surface area-to-volume ratio is necessary for efficient diffusion.

Question 2

A bacterium is observed to have a spiral-shaped, corkscrew motion. Which structure is most likely responsible for this type of movement?

Accepted Answer

Periplasmic flagella (axial filaments)

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the main difference between bacterial and archaeal plasma membranes?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial membranes use ester bonds to join fatty acids to glycerol, while archaeal membranes use ether bonds.

Question 4

A patient is diagnosed with a Mycoplasma infection. Which of the following characteristics would you expect from this pathogen?

Accepted Answer

It lacks a cell wall and contains a sterol-enriched plasma membrane.

Question 5

Which of the following arrangements describes a cluster of spherical bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococci

Question 6

A Gram-negative bacterium is more resistant to certain antibiotics than a Gram-positive bacterium. Which structural feature is primarily responsible for this?

Accepted Answer

Presence of an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why acid-fast bacteria are difficult to treat with many antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

They have a waxy cell wall containing mycolic acid that limits drug entry.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Helps bacteria adhere to surfaces and protects against desiccation

Question 9

A bacterium is placed in a hypotonic solution. What is the most likely outcome if its cell wall is damaged or missing?

Accepted Answer

The cell will gain water and may undergo osmotic lysis.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of binary fission in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA is copied, the cell grows, chromosomes are separated, and a septum forms to divide the cell into two daughter cells.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about membrane fluidity in prokaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids increase membrane fluidity in cold environments.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct description of facilitated diffusion in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It moves substances down their concentration gradient with the help of membrane proteins.

Question 13

A clinical isolate of Streptococcus pyogenes is observed under the microscope. Which shape and arrangement would you expect to see?

Accepted Answer

Spherical cells in chains

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain during Gram staining?

Accepted Answer

They have a thick peptidoglycan layer that retains the crystal violet-iodine complex.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Storage of useful substances such as carbon or iron

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of teichoic acids in Gram-positive bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the nucleoid region in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It contains the cell's genetic material but is not membrane-bound.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and host tissues

Question 19

A bacterium is found to survive boiling and autoclaving. Which structure is most likely responsible for this resistance?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 20

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area-to-volume ratio for a cube-shaped prokaryotic cell with side length $$l$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{6l^2$}{l^3$}$$

chap 3 micro

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