Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the ultimate function of metabolism in a microbe?

Accepted Answer

To reproduce the organism

Question 2

Which process is exergonic and involves breaking larger molecules into smaller products?

Accepted Answer

Catabolic pathways

Question 3

Cells store energy in which molecule, often referred to as the 'energy currency' of the cell?

Accepted Answer

ATP

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT one of the three major electron carriers used in microbial metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Coenzyme Q

Question 5

During substrate-level phosphorylation, what is directly transferred to ADP to form ATP?

Accepted Answer

A phosphate group from an organic substrate

Question 6

Which enzyme class catalyzes the transfer of functional groups from one molecule to another?

Accepted Answer

Transferases

Question 7

A patient’s fever increases the temperature of their tissues to 42°C. What is the most likely effect on their microbial enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes will denature, losing their function

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are considered biological catalysts?

Accepted Answer

They increase the likelihood of a reaction by lowering activation energy

Question 9

In glycolysis, glucose is split into two molecules of which three-carbon compound?

Accepted Answer

Pyruvic acid

Question 10

Which stage of cellular respiration produces the most ATP per molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

Electron transport chain

Question 11

During aerobic respiration, what is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($$O_2)$$

Question 12

What is the main difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration in terms of the electron transport chain?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic respiration uses oxygen as the final electron acceptor, while anaerobic uses other molecules

Question 13

Which process uses the energy from a proton gradient to synthesize ATP?

Accepted Answer

Chemiosmosis

Question 14

A bacterium is found to produce lactic acid in the absence of oxygen. Which metabolic process is it using?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation

Question 15

Which of the following is a key reaction in the Calvin-Benson cycle?

Accepted Answer

Fixation of $$CO_2$$

Question 16

Which pigment is essential for capturing light energy in photosynthetic organisms?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll

Question 17

Which statement about anabolic pathways is correct?

Accepted Answer

They synthesize large molecules from smaller ones and require energy

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of an amphibolic pathway?

Accepted Answer

Glycolysis

Question 19

If a cell is exposed to a competitive inhibitor, what is the most likely effect on enzyme activity?

Accepted Answer

The substrate will be unable to bind to the active site

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of precursor metabolites in metabolism?

Accepted Answer

They serve as building blocks for anabolic reactions

Microbial Metabolism: Chemical Reactions and Pathways

Study Guide - Practice Questions