Question 1

Which of the following best describes a missense mutation?

Accepted Answer

A mutation that changes one amino acid in the protein sequence to another.

Question 2

A researcher exposes bacterial cells to ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in increased mutation rates. What type of mutagen is UV light considered, and what is its primary effect on DNA?

Accepted Answer

Physical mutagen; induces thymine dimer formation.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a major type of gene transfer in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Replication

Question 4

During Griffith’s experiment, what was the key finding that led to the discovery of bacterial transformation?

Accepted Answer

Live rough (R) strain mixed with heat-killed smooth (S) strain killed mice.

Question 5

Which statement best describes bacterial conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Direct transfer of DNA between two bacteria through a pilus.

Question 6

What is the primary function of F plasmids in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

They facilitate the transfer of genetic material during conjugation.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the role of restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific recognition sequences, allowing insertion of foreign DNA.

Question 8

A scientist wants to clone a gene into a bacterial plasmid. Which enzyme is required to join the gene fragment to the plasmid after both are cut with the same restriction enzyme?

Accepted Answer

DNA ligase

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-world application of recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Production of human insulin in bacteria

Question 10

What is the main advantage of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

It allows for the rapid amplification of specific DNA sequences.

Question 11

Which equation would you use to calculate the number of bacteria present after $$n$$ generations, starting with $$N_0$$ bacteria, assuming binary fission?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ 	imes 2^n$$

Question 12

Which of the following best distinguishes between antisepsis and disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Antisepsis is used on living tissue; disinfection is used on inanimate objects.

Question 13

A hospital uses autoclaving to sterilize surgical instruments. What is the principle behind this method?

Accepted Answer

Moist heat under pressure to achieve high temperature

Question 14

Which of the following antibiotics inhibits cell wall synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Penicillin

Question 15

A patient develops a rash and difficulty breathing after taking an antibiotic. Which adverse effect is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reaction

Question 16

Which mechanism allows bacteria to acquire resistance to antibiotics through the transfer of plasmids?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the action of aminoglycoside antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit

Question 18

A bacterial strain is resistant to penicillin due to the production of an enzyme. What is the name of this enzyme?

Accepted Answer

Beta-lactamase

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the CRISPR-Cas system in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A defense mechanism against viral DNA, used for gene editing

Question 20

A patient is infected with a gram-negative bacterium. Which antibiotic would be least effective due to the outer membrane barrier?

Accepted Answer

Penicillin G

Microbial Genetics, Biotechnology, and Control of Microbial Growth: Study Guide

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