Question 1

Which of the following best describes binary fission in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells

Question 2

At any given time, how many bacteria are estimated to exist on Earth?

Accepted Answer

$$10^{30}$$

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered a macronutrient required for microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

Zinc

Question 4

A biofilm is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A collection of microbes interconnected in a thin layer, often attached to a surface

Question 5

During which phase of the bacterial growth curve do cells begin to die at an exponential rate?

Accepted Answer

Death phase

Question 6

Which of the following best defines DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Producing a copy of a DNA molecule

Question 7

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during bacterial DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase III

Question 8

How many replication forks are typically present in a bacterial chromosome during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 9

What is required to start the replication process on the leading strand of bacterial DNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA primer

Question 10

Which phase of the bacterial growth curve is characterized by cells preparing their cell machinery for growth but not yet dividing?

Accepted Answer

Lag phase

Question 11

During which phase of the bacterial growth curve do cells grow at their fastest rate?

Accepted Answer

Exponential (log) phase

Question 12

Which of the following best distinguishes heterotrophs from autotrophs?

Accepted Answer

Heterotrophs use nutrients broken down for energy

Question 13

Mesophilic bacteria are best described as:

Accepted Answer

Bacteria that grow best at moderate temperatures, typically $$10$$–$$50^\circC$$

Question 14

Which of the following types of bacteria would most likely be found growing in your home refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Psychrophilic, aerobic

Question 15

A neutrophilic bacterium would most likely require which of the following pH conditions for optimal growth?

Accepted Answer

Approximately pH 7

Question 16

Facultative microbes are best described as organisms that:

Accepted Answer

Can grow with or without oxygen

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a complex medium used for microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

A medium rich in a blend of nonspecific ingredients, such as tomato juice agar

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of a biofilm?

Accepted Answer

Dental plaque on your teeth

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of a chemostat in microbial culture?

Accepted Answer

It allows nutrients to come in and wastes to go out in a continual process

Question 20

A defined (synthetic) medium is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Containing carefully measured amounts of specific nutrients

Microbial Growth and DNA Replication: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions