Question 1

Which of the following best explains why smaller cells are generally more efficient at nutrient uptake than larger cells, based on the surface area to volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, increasing the rate of nutrient exchange across the membrane.

Question 2

A bacterium with a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane is most likely to stain which color in a Gram stain?

Accepted Answer

Purple

Question 3

Which of the following prokaryotic shapes is correctly matched with its description?

Accepted Answer

Cocci – spherical

Question 4

During binary fission, what is the correct sequence of events?

Accepted Answer

DNA replicates, cell elongates, septum forms, cell partitions, daughter cells separate

Question 5

Which feature is unique to archaeal membrane phospholipids compared to bacterial membrane phospholipids?

Accepted Answer

Ether bonds and branched isoprene chains

Question 6

A bacterium is observed to be resistant to drying and physical disruption, stains purple in a Gram stain, and is highly susceptible to penicillin. Which cell wall structure does it most likely possess?

Accepted Answer

Thick peptidoglycan layer without outer membrane

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

They allow the passage of certain molecules through the outer membrane.

Question 8

If a prokaryote is described as 'stella-shaped,' which of the following images would best represent its morphology?

Accepted Answer

A star-shaped cell

Question 9

Which of the following statements about Gram-negative bacteria is correct?

Accepted Answer

They contain Lipid A (endotoxin) in their outer membrane.

Question 10

A scientist is studying a bacterium that forms chains of rod-shaped cells. Which term best describes this arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Streptobacillus

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why Gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible to penicillin than Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer that is targeted by penicillin.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct comparison between bacterial and archaeal membrane lipids?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial lipids have ester bonds; archaeal lipids have ether bonds.

Question 13

A patient is infected with a bacterium that is highly resistant to anionic detergents and drying. Which cell wall feature is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Thick peptidoglycan layer

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of cocci in a 'staph' formation?

Accepted Answer

Clusters

Question 15

If the length of one edge of a cube is doubled, how does the surface area to volume ratio change? Use the formulas $$	ext{Surface Area} = 6a^2$ and $$	ext{Volume} = $$a^3.$$

Accepted Answer

It decreases by a factor of 2.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a common shape for prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Cuboidal

Question 17

Which cell feature is present in Gram-negative bacteria but absent in Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Outer membrane

Question 18

A bacterium is described as 'coccobacillus.' Which of the following best describes its shape?

Accepted Answer

Ovoid

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why Gram-negative bacteria are less susceptible to penicillin?

Accepted Answer

Their outer membrane acts as a barrier to penicillin.

Question 20

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of spirochetes?

Accepted Answer

Spiral-shaped with corkscrew motion

Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells: Structure, Shapes, and Cell Wall Differences

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