Question 1

Which scientist is credited with disproving the theory of spontaneous generation by demonstrating that microorganisms do not arise from nonliving matter under controlled conditions?

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 2

A bacterial cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Which of the following statements about Gram staining is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Iodine acts as a mordant, forming a complex with crystal violet.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes have 70S ribosomes, eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes.

Question 5

A scientist isolates a microorganism with a waxy cell wall containing mycolic acid. Which disease is this organism MOST likely associated with?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the pH scale and hydrogen ion concentration?

Accepted Answer

pH is calculated as $$pH = -\log [H^+].$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the process of DNA replication in cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a semiconservative process where each daughter cell receives one old and one new strand.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the bacterial glycocalyx?

Accepted Answer

Helps cells adhere and evade phagocytosis

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails. Which term best describes the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Dermatophyte

Question 10

Which of the following statements about viruses is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Viruses require a host cell to reproduce.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of a bacterial pilus?

Accepted Answer

It is a long, rigid structure involved in DNA transfer and attachment.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a DNA base and its complement?

Accepted Answer

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T)

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE about the difference between Archaea and Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have pseudomurein, while Bacteria have peptidoglycan.

Question 14

A mutation in a gene results in the addition of one nucleotide to the DNA sequence. What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Insertion mutation

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of viral spikes (peplomers)?

Accepted Answer

They help viruses attach and gain entry to specific host cells.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct order of taxonomic classification from largest to smallest?

Accepted Answer

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Movement of substances from high to low concentration with the help of a transporter protein

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about the start of protein synthesis in cells?

Accepted Answer

The start codon is AUG, which codes for methionine.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about prions is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins that can cause spongiform encephalitis.

Question 20

A patient is prescribed acyclovir. Which infection is this medication most likely intended to treat?

Accepted Answer

Herpes

MCB 2010 Exam 1 Study Guide: Microbiology Core Concepts

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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