Q: A solution has a pH of 4. What is the concentration of hydrogen ions $$[H^+] in $$this solution?

$$[H^+] = 1 \times 10$$^{-4}$$ \ \mathrm{M}$$

Question 1

Which of the following groups of microorganisms is correctly matched with a unique characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Fungi – can be unicellular or multicellular

Question 2

Which scientist's experiment with swan-necked flasks provided strong evidence against spontaneous generation?

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of Koch’s postulates for proving the cause of an infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

The pathogen must be able to survive outside the host for at least 24 hours.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the difference between a molecule and a compound?

Accepted Answer

A molecule is two or more atoms bonded together; a compound is a molecule containing atoms of at least two different elements.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds are important for maintaining the structure of proteins and nucleic acids.

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 4. What is the concentration of hydrogen ions $$[H^+] in $$this solution?

Accepted Answer

$$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10$$^{-4}$$ \ \mathrm{M}$$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for many biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Water is a polar molecule, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds with ions and other polar molecules.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids contain only single bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing biochemical reactions as enzymes

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Which of the following statements about Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell walls is correct?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have teichoic acids in their cell walls.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living bacteria that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct order of metric units from largest to smallest?

Accepted Answer

Meter, millimeter, micrometer, nanometer

Question 14

A microbiologist wants to observe the detailed surface structure of a virus particle. Which microscope should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Scanning electron microscope, because it provides detailed 3D images of surfaces.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a differential stain?

Accepted Answer

Gram stain

Question 16

Which of the following best describes binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

A system of naming organisms using two names: genus and species.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a procedure taxonomists use to identify and classify microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the rate of photosynthesis

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the role of buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers maintain a stable pH by neutralizing added acids or bases.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the fluid mosaic model of membrane structure is correct?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids and proteins can move laterally within the layer, giving the membrane flexibility.

Question 20

A patient is diagnosed with a bacterial infection. The bacteria are found to have a capsule. Which of the following is a likely advantage of the capsule for the bacteria?

Accepted Answer

The capsule helps the bacteria evade phagocytosis by host immune cells.

MCB2010 Exam 1 Study Guide: Foundations of Microbiology

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