Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between catabolism and anabolism in microbial metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Catabolism breaks down complex molecules to release energy, while anabolism builds complex molecules using energy.

Question 2

Which chemical reaction correctly represents ATP hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

$ATP + H_2O \rightarrow ADP + P_i + H^+$

Question 3

During glycolysis, what is the net gain of ATP and NADH molecules per molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

2 ATP and 2 NADH

Question 4

Which process uses a proton gradient across a membrane to generate ATP?

Accepted Answer

Chemiosmosis

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($O_2$)

Question 6

Which of the following is a product of lactic acid fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Lactic acid ($CH_3CH(OH)COOH$)

Question 7

Which pathway is unique to certain Gram-negative bacteria and is an alternative to glycolysis for glucose catabolism?

Accepted Answer

Entner-Doudoroff pathway

Question 8

What is the main function of NAD+ in cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

Transfers electrons to the electron transport chain

Question 9

Which of the following statements about substrate-level phosphorylation is correct?

Accepted Answer

It occurs during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

Question 10

A bacterium is growing in a medium without oxygen and produces ethanol and carbon dioxide. Which metabolic process is it using?

Accepted Answer

Alcoholic fermentation

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a product of the Krebs cycle per glucose molecule?

Accepted Answer

Pyruvate

Question 12

Which equation best summarizes aerobic respiration in microbes?

Accepted Answer

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + Energy$

Question 13

Which process is responsible for the majority of ATP production during aerobic respiration?

Accepted Answer

Oxidative phosphorylation

Question 14

Which of the following statements about chemiosmosis is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It involves the movement of protons down their electrochemical gradient to generate ATP.

Question 15

Which metabolic pathway is primarily responsible for the biosynthesis of nucleotides and aromatic amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Pentose phosphate pathway

Question 16

In photosynthesis, what is the role of the light-dependent reactions?

Accepted Answer

Generate ATP and NADPH using light energy

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about anaerobic respiration in microbes?

Accepted Answer

It yields less ATP than aerobic respiration.

Question 18

A microbe that uses light as its energy source and CO$_2$ as its carbon source is best classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph

Question 19

Which of the following statements about fermentation is correct?

Accepted Answer

It results in incomplete oxidation of carbohydrates.

Question 20

During oxidative phosphorylation, how many ATP molecules are produced per NADH oxidized?

Accepted Answer

3 ATP

Microbial Metabolism: Pathways, Energy, and Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions