Question 1

Which process is depicted in the first image, and what is the primary outcome of this process in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission; the production of genetically identical daughter cells

Question 2

A bacterial culture starts with 10 cells. If the generation time is 20 minutes, how many cells will there be after 2 hours? Use the formula $$N_t = N_0$ 	imes 2^n.$$

Accepted Answer

1280

Question 3

Which phase of the bacterial growth curve is characterized by cells adjusting to a new environment and not dividing rapidly?

Accepted Answer

Lag phase

Question 4

Why is microbial growth often plotted on a semilogarithmic graph?

Accepted Answer

To make exponential growth appear linear for easier analysis

Question 5

Which of the following best describes an endergonic reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that requires energy input to build larger molecules

Question 6

What is the role of ATP in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

It stores and transfers energy between catabolic and anabolic reactions

Question 7

Which metabolic pathway is common to all forms of carbohydrate catabolism and occurs in the cytosol?

Accepted Answer

Glycolysis

Question 8

During fermentation, why is only 2 ATP produced per glucose molecule?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation does not use the electron transport chain

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a facultative anaerobe?

Accepted Answer

Can grow with or without oxygen, but grows better with oxygen

Question 10

A bacterium that thrives at pH 9.5 is best described as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Alkaliphile

Question 11

Which type of media would you use to grow only halotolerant bacteria while inhibiting others?

Accepted Answer

Selective media

Question 12

What is the main difference between enriched and selective media?

Accepted Answer

Enriched media contains complex nutrients for fastidious organisms; selective media contains inhibitors to suppress unwanted microbes

Question 13

Which enzyme is required for bacteria to survive in the presence of superoxide free radicals?

Accepted Answer

Superoxide dismutase

Question 14

A microbe isolated from the Dead Sea is most likely a(n):

Accepted Answer

Extreme halophile

Question 15

Which phase of the bacterial growth curve is most associated with the production of antibiotics and endospores?

Accepted Answer

Stationary phase

Question 16

If a culture medium contains both a high salt concentration and a pH indicator, and allows only halotolerant bacteria to grow while showing color changes for acid production, it is:

Accepted Answer

Selective and differential

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct equation for calculating the number of generations ($$n) if $$you know the total time ($$t) $$and generation time ($$G$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$n = t \div G$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of a streak plate in microbiology?

Accepted Answer

To separate individual species from a mixed culture

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a physical requirement for microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient availability

Question 20

A patient sample is inoculated onto a medium containing blood. Only bacteria that require blood to grow will form colonies. These bacteria are described as:

Accepted Answer

Fastidious

Microbial Growth and Metabolism: Study Notes for Microbiology Students

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards