Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To reproduce the organism

Question 2

Which statement correctly distinguishes catabolic and anabolic pathways?

Accepted Answer

Catabolic pathways are exergonic and break down large molecules; anabolic pathways are endergonic and build large molecules.

Question 3

During a redox reaction, what happens to the molecule that is oxidized?

Accepted Answer

It loses electrons and becomes more positive.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of enzymes in metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Being permanently altered during the reaction

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that prevents the synthesis of NAD+. Which metabolic process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Electron transport chain

Question 6

Which enzyme class is responsible for transferring functional groups between molecules?

Accepted Answer

Transferases

Question 7

What is the effect of increasing substrate concentration on enzyme activity, as shown in the enzyme kinetics graph?

Accepted Answer

Enzyme activity increases and then plateaus at the saturation point.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why high temperatures can denature enzymes?

Accepted Answer

High temperatures disrupt hydrogen bonds and alter protein structure.

Question 9

A competitive inhibitor affects enzyme activity by:

Accepted Answer

Binding to the active site and blocking substrate binding

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct summary of the net products of glycolysis per molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

2 ATP, 2 NADH, 2 pyruvic acid

Question 11

In prokaryotes, where does the electron transport chain (ETC) occur?

Accepted Answer

Cytoplasmic membrane

Question 12

Which of the following is the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($$O_2)$$

Question 13

A bacterium is found to use the Entner-Doudoroff pathway instead of glycolysis. Which of the following is true about this pathway?

Accepted Answer

It produces one ATP, one NADH, and one NADPH per glucose.

Question 14

Why is fermentation necessary for some cells under anaerobic conditions?

Accepted Answer

It regenerates NAD+ needed for glycolysis.

Question 15

Which of the following is a product of the Krebs cycle per molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

2 ATP, 6 NADH, 2 FADH2, 4 CO2

Question 16

Which of the following best describes chemiosmosis in cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

The use of a proton gradient to drive ATP synthesis via ATP synthase

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Fixation of $$CO_2$$ into organic molecules

Question 18

A cell is exposed to a noncompetitive inhibitor. What is the most likely effect on the enzyme's activity?

Accepted Answer

The inhibitor binds to an allosteric site, changing the enzyme's shape and reducing activity.

Question 19

Which of the following regulatory mechanisms allows a cell to stop an anabolic pathway when the end product is abundant?

Accepted Answer

Feedback inhibition

Question 20

Which of the following statements about amphibolic pathways is correct?

Accepted Answer

They can function in both catabolic and anabolic processes.

Microbial Metabolism: Core Concepts and Pathways

Study Guide - Practice Questions