Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for all life forms, according to microbial nutrition principles?

Accepted Answer

A source of light

Question 2

Which element is the most abundant in cells by dry weight?

Accepted Answer

Carbon

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a micronutrient?

Accepted Answer

Required for protein function as cofactors

Question 4

Which of the following molecules is considered organic based on the presence of a carbon-carbon bond?

Accepted Answer

Glucose ($$C_6H_{12}O_6$)

Question 5

A bacterium that uses light as an energy source, inorganic compounds as an electron source, and $$CO_2 as a $$carbon source is classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Photolithoautotroph

Question 6

Which process is described by the equation $$C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O$$ with $$\Delta G = -2850 kJ/$$mol?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic respiration

Question 7

Which of the following best describes group translocation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It modifies the substrate as it enters the cell, maintaining a concentration gradient.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of siderophores in microbial cells?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating iron uptake under low iron conditions

Question 9

A microbe that uses reduced organic molecules as both its carbon and electron source, and chemicals as its energy source, is classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Chemoorganoheterotroph

Question 10

Which of the following transport mechanisms requires energy and is unique to bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Group translocation

Question 11

Which of the following statements about growth factors is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They must be provided in the diet because the organism cannot synthesize them.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between reduction and oxidation in metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Reduction is the gain of electrons; oxidation is the loss of electrons.

Question 13

Which type of media would you use to support the growth of a wide variety of non-fastidious organisms?

Accepted Answer

General purpose (supportive) media

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of an autotroph?

Accepted Answer

A cyanobacterium that uses $$CO_2 as $$its sole carbon source

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct description of chemotrophs?

Accepted Answer

They oxidize organic or inorganic chemicals for energy.

Question 16

A bacterium living in a nutrient-poor environment is most likely to rely on which nutrient uptake mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in microbial metabolism?

Accepted Answer

It is the energy currency of the cell, used for biosynthetic work.

Question 18

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of lithotrophs?

Accepted Answer

They use reduced inorganic substances as an electron source.

Question 19

Which of the following equations represents photosynthesis of glucose?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which of the following statements about defined (synthetic) media is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains only known quantities of pure chemicals.

Microbial Nutrition and Metabolic Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions