Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes have 80S ribosomes, while eukaryotes have 70S ribosomes.

Question 2

A microbiologist observes a chain of rod-shaped bacteria under the microscope. Which term best describes this arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Streptobacilli

Question 3

Which structure allows certain bacteria to evade phagocytosis and adhere to surfaces, and how does its capsule form differ from its slime layer?

Accepted Answer

Glycocalyx; the capsule is organized and firmly attached, while the slime layer is unorganized and loosely attached.

Question 4

A bacterium is observed to move toward a chemical attractant. Which term best describes this movement, and what is the underlying process?

Accepted Answer

Chemotaxis; movement is achieved by flagella rotating to propel the cell toward the attractant.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the structure of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) linked by peptide cross-bridges.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about Gram-negative cell walls is correct?

Accepted Answer

They have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.

Question 7

Mycoplasma species are unique among bacteria because they:

Accepted Answer

Lack a cell wall and are protected from lysis by sterols in their plasma membrane.

Question 8

Which two genera of pathogenic bacteria are known for producing endospores, and what is the primary function of endospores?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus and Clostridium; endospores allow survival in harsh environmental conditions.

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Which unique feature of the causative bacterium's cell wall is responsible for its acid-fast property?

Accepted Answer

The presence of mycolic acids in the cell wall.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the structure of the prokaryotic plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, lacking sterols.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the prokaryotic plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a selective barrier for the entry and exit of substances.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are 70S in size, composed of 50S and 30S subunits.

Question 13

Which of the following inclusions would most likely be found in a bacterium isolated from an environment rich in sulfur compounds?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur granules

Question 14

A scientist is studying a eukaryotic microorganism with a cell wall composed primarily of chitin. Which organism is she most likely studying?

Accepted Answer

A fungus

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic plasma membranes?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic membranes contain sterols, while prokaryotic membranes generally do not.

Question 16

Which of the following organelles is responsible for packaging and modifying proteins in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Golgi complex

Question 17

A mutation causes a bacterium to lose its fimbriae. Which function would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of sporulation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A vegetative cell forms an endospore in response to adverse conditions, involving DNA replication, membrane invagination, and spore coat formation.

Question 19

Which of the following correctly matches a eukaryotic organelle with its function?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion: ATP production through aerobic respiration

Question 20

A bacterial cell is found to contain a small, circular DNA molecule separate from its chromosomal DNA. What is this structure, and what is its likely function?

Accepted Answer

Plasmid; it often carries genes for antibiotic resistance or other advantageous traits.

Microbiology Chapter 4 Study Guide – Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structure

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