Question 1

Which of the following best describes the central dogma of genetics?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into proteins.

Question 2

During DNA replication, which enzyme is primarily responsible for joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand?

Accepted Answer

Ligase

Question 3

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes prokaryotic from eukaryotic genetic processes?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes have circular chromosomes and perform transcription and translation simultaneously in the cytoplasm.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a frameshift mutation?

Accepted Answer

A mutation caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotides that alters the reading frame.

Question 5

What is the main advantage that plasmids can provide to bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They provide additional genetic material that can confer antibiotic resistance.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a component of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

A fatty acid

Question 7

Which type of RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation?

Accepted Answer

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Question 8

A scientist exposes bacteria to UV light, causing thymine dimers in the DNA. This is an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A mutagen-induced mutation

Question 9

Which process involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 10

What does it mean that DNA replication is 'semiconservative'?

Accepted Answer

Each new DNA molecule consists of one old and one new strand.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the action of an antiseptic?

Accepted Answer

It is used on living tissue to reduce the number of microbes.

Question 12

Why are endospores more resistant to physical and chemical antimicrobial methods than vegetative bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Endospores have tough protective coats and low metabolic activity.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why salt is used to preserve foods such as meats and fish?

Accepted Answer

Salt creates a hypertonic environment, causing microbial cells to lose water and become dehydrated.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct definition of sterilization?

Accepted Answer

The destruction of all microorganisms and viruses in or on an object.

Question 15

Which chemical method of microbial control works by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, and is commonly used in hand sanitizers?

Accepted Answer

Alcohols

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the concept of selective toxicity in antimicrobial drugs?

Accepted Answer

The drug targets microbial structures or functions not found in host cells.

Question 17

Why are broad-spectrum antibiotics problematic in clinical use?

Accepted Answer

They can disrupt normal microbiota, leading to secondary infections.

Question 18

A patient is prescribed an antimicrobial drug that inhibits cell wall synthesis. Which type of microbe is LEAST likely to be affected by this drug?

Accepted Answer

Viruses

Question 19

Which of the following best describes an R plasmid?

Accepted Answer

A plasmid that encodes genes for antibiotic resistance.

Question 20

A hospital isolates a strain of bacteria that is resistant to multiple antibiotics. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which bacteria can acquire antimicrobial resistance?

Accepted Answer

Increased uptake of the drug

Microbial Genetics, Control of Microbial Growth, and Antimicrobial Drugs: Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards