HIV; replication via reverse transcriptase ($$\text{RNA} \rightarrow \text{DNA})$$

Question 1

Which structure is responsible for motility in most prokaryotes, and what is the primary mechanism by which it operates?

Accepted Answer

Flagella; by rotation powered by a proton gradient ($$\Delta \Psi)$$

Question 2

Which of the following bacteria is Gram-negative and commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections due to its resistance to antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Pseudomonas

Question 3

What is the main difference between the cell wall composition of fungi and bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, bacteria have peptidoglycan

Question 4

Which of the following is a disease caused by a protist and transmitted by a vector?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes

Question 5

Which bacterial genus is known for producing endospores and causing diseases such as anthrax and botulism?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus

Question 6

What is the defining feature of an enveloped virus, and how does it affect the virus's ability to infect host cells?

Accepted Answer

It has a lipid membrane derived from the host, which facilitates fusion with host cell membranes

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a step in the lytic cycle of viral infection?

Accepted Answer

Integration into host genome

Question 8

A latent virus can remain dormant in host cells for years. Which of the following is an example of a latent virus?

Accepted Answer

Herpes simplex virus

Question 9

Which equation best describes the exponential growth of bacteria under ideal conditions?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ 	imes 2$$^{n}$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a retrovirus, and what is its unique replication mechanism?

Accepted Answer

HIV; replication via reverse transcriptase ($$	ext{RNA} ightarrow 	ext{DNA})$$

Question 11

Which term describes a disease that spreads rapidly and affects a large number of people across several countries or continents?

Accepted Answer

Pandemic

Question 12

Which bacterial shape is described as spiral and is often associated with diseases such as Lyme disease and syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Spirochete

Question 13

Which of the following is a benefit derived from cyanobacteria?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation in aquatic environments

Question 14

Which of the following is a vector for West Nile virus?

Accepted Answer

Mosquitoes

Question 15

Which of the following statements about archaea is correct?

Accepted Answer

Archaea are often found in extreme environments such as hot springs and salt lakes

Question 16

Which of the following is a DNA virus?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B

Question 17

Which structure in fungi is responsible for nutrient absorption and forms the main body of the fungus?

Accepted Answer

Mycelium

Question 18

Which of the following is a common misconception about Gram staining?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria are always more pathogenic than Gram-negative bacteria

Question 19

Which of the following is a prion disease, and what is its mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; misfolded protein induces abnormal folding in other proteins

Microbiology Chapters 11–13: Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, and Viruses Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions