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

What is the role of ATP in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

ATP serves as an energy intermediate, linking energy-releasing catabolic reactions to energy-requiring anabolic reactions.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the energy-releasing hydrolysis of ATP?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

2 ATP and 2 NADH

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It involves the direct transfer of a phosphate group to ADP from a phosphorylated intermediate.

Question 6

In the electron transport chain, what is the primary function of NADH and FADH$_2$?

Accepted Answer

They donate electrons to the chain, driving proton pumping and ATP synthesis.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Lactic acid

Question 8

What is the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($O_2$)

Question 9

Which metabolic pathway is unique to certain Gram-negative bacteria and is an alternative to glycolysis?

Accepted Answer

Entner-Doudoroff pathway

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

To generate ATP and NADPH using light energy

Question 12

Which of the following best describes chemiosmosis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a product of fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 14

What is the main function of the Krebs cycle in cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

To generate reduced electron carriers (NADH and FADH$_2$) for the electron transport chain

Question 15

Which of the following statements about oxidative phosphorylation is correct?

Accepted Answer

It uses energy from electron transport to create a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Question 16

Which equation represents the overall reaction for aerobic respiration of glucose?

Accepted Answer

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 ightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + 	ext{energy}$

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the Calvin cycle?

Accepted Answer

It converts CO$_2$ into organic sugars using ATP and NADPH.

Question 18

A bacterium is classified as a chemoheterotroph. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It uses organic compounds as both its energy and carbon source.

Question 19

Which of the following statements best explains why fermentation yields less ATP than aerobic respiration?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation does not use the electron transport chain, so less ATP is produced via oxidative phosphorylation.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct summary of energy production in cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells capture energy from organic or inorganic molecules and convert it to ATP via metabolic pathways.

Microbial Metabolism: Pathways, Energy, and Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions