Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Bacteria – prokaryotic and possess peptidoglycan in their cell walls

Question 2

Which scientist's experiment most directly refuted the theory of spontaneous generation by demonstrating that microorganisms do not arise from nonliving matter?

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 consists of two or more atoms bonded together, while a compound consists of two or more different elements bonded together.

Question 5

A stable atom of carbon has an atomic number of 6 and an atomic mass of 12. How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

$$6$$ protons, $$6$$ neutrons, $$6$$ electrons$

Question 6

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Question 7

A solution with a pH of $$3 is $$how many times more acidic than a solution with a pH of $$6$$?

Accepted Answer

$$1000$$ times

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why water is considered a vital molecule for life?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high heat capacity, is cohesive, is an excellent solvent, participates in chemical reactions, and is less dense as a solid than as a liquid.

Question 9

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 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 11

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus.

Question 12

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 undergo plasmolysis.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the structure of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

A network of polysaccharide chains cross-linked by short peptides

Question 14

Which of the following is evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both organelles contain circular DNA similar to bacterial DNA.

Question 15

Which of the following correctly lists the metric units of length from largest to smallest?

Accepted Answer

Meter, millimeter, micrometer, nanometer

Question 16

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 produces detailed 3D images of surfaces

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order of taxonomic hierarchy from most general to most specific?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Which of the following best describes binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Measuring the rate of photosynthesis

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

MCB2010 Exam 1 Study Guide: Microbiology Chapters 1-4

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