Question 1

Which of the following best explains why bacteria are generally much smaller than typical eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Smaller size increases the surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing for more efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Question 2

Which structure is found in eukaryotic cells but NOT in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Membrane-bound organelles

Question 3

A scientist observes a microorganism with a single circular chromosome, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall made of peptidoglycan. What type of organism is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Bacterium

Question 4

Which of the following statements about viruses is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Viruses are only active when inside a living host cell.

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the surface area-to-volume ratio for a spherical cell of radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

$\frac{4 \pi r^2}{\frac{4}{3} \pi r^3}$

Question 6

Which of the following is a key difference between archaea and bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have pseudomurein cell walls, while bacteria have peptidoglycan cell walls.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the genetic material of prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Single circular chromosome located in the nucleoid

Question 8

A patient presents with symptoms of Lyme disease. Which microorganism is responsible for this infection?

Accepted Answer

Borrelia burgdorferi

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Single circular chromosome

Question 10

Which of the following best explains the heterozygote advantage of sickle cell trait in regions where malaria is endemic?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with sickle cell trait have increased resistance to malaria infection.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of plasmids in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Conferring antibiotic resistance

Question 12

Which of the following statements about prions is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins that can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Question 13

Which of the following cell types is most likely to have a cell wall composed of polysaccharides?

Accepted Answer

Fungal cell

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of chromosomes in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Paired linear chromosomes in the nucleus

Question 15

Which of the following is a reason why some bacteria can change their morphology?

Accepted Answer

To evade antibiotics and adapt to different environments

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the life cycle of Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium alternates between mosquito and human hosts during its life cycle.

Question 17

Which of the following is a defining feature of Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Presence of an extra outer membrane

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function performed by microbial cells?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission by viruses

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in the outer membrane of Borrelia burgdorferi?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol is incorporated into the membrane as cholesterol-glycolipids, aiding in pathogenesis.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct order of size from smallest to largest for the following: protein, virus, bacterium, animal cell?

Accepted Answer

Protein < virus < bacterium < animal cell

Microbial Size, Shape, and Diversity: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards