Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the 'Unknown ID' lab activities in a microbiology course?

Accepted Answer

To practice identifying unknown microorganisms using laboratory techniques and critical analysis.

Question 2

During the 'Staining & streaking' lab, students are required to use the streak plate method. What is the primary goal of this technique?

Accepted Answer

To isolate individual colonies from a mixed culture.

Question 3

A student is preparing for the 'Metabolic tests' lab. Which of the following equations best represents the calculation of bacterial growth rate in a closed system?

Accepted Answer

$N_t = N_0 e^{\mu t}$

Question 4

In the 'Disk diffusion' lab, students test the effectiveness of antibiotics. Which measurement is used to determine the susceptibility of bacteria to an antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

The diameter of the zone of inhibition around the disk.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about Canvas video lectures (bolded in blue) is correct according to the course guidelines?

Accepted Answer

They are equivalent to attending lecture in person and are required for success.

Question 6

A student is analyzing the results of a Gram stain. Which of the following best explains why Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain?

Accepted Answer

They have a thick peptidoglycan layer that traps the stain.

Question 7

During the 'Transformation' lab, students introduce plasmid DNA into bacteria. Which process is being demonstrated?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer via uptake of foreign DNA.

Question 8

In the 'ELISA' lab, students use antibodies to detect the presence of a specific antigen. Which equation is commonly used to calculate the concentration of antigen from absorbance data?

Accepted Answer

$y = mx + b$

Question 9

Which of the following is a critical reason for mandatory lab attendance in this microbiology course?

Accepted Answer

Lab attendance is required to pass and missing more than one lab may result in automatic failure.

Question 10

A student is preparing a streak plate and accidentally contaminates the plate with another organism. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The plate may show mixed colonies, making identification of the unknown organism difficult.

Question 11

In the '16S rRNA ID' lab, students use molecular techniques to identify bacteria. Why is the 16S rRNA gene commonly used for bacterial identification?

Accepted Answer

It is highly conserved among all bacteria but contains variable regions that allow for species differentiation.

Question 12

During the 'Growth' lab, students measure bacterial growth using optical density (OD). Which equation relates OD to cell concentration?

Accepted Answer

$OD = k \cdot [cells]$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of prelab quizzes in this microbiology course?

Accepted Answer

They are used to assess students' understanding of lab procedures before attending lab.

Question 14

A student is performing a metabolic test to detect fermentation. Which result would indicate positive fermentation in a phenol red broth?

Accepted Answer

The broth turns yellow due to acid production.

Question 15

In the 'Epidemiology' lab, students model the spread of disease in a population. Which equation best represents the basic reproductive number ($R_0$) in epidemiology?

Accepted Answer

$R_0 = \frac{\beta}{\gamma}$

Question 16

Which of the following is a key difference between innate and adaptive immunity, as covered in the course?

Accepted Answer

Innate immunity is non-specific and immediate, while adaptive immunity is specific and develops over time.

Question 17

A student is reviewing the lab manual for instructions on Gram staining. Which step is essential for differentiating Gram-positive from Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Application of the decolorizer (alcohol or acetone).

Question 18

In the 'Applied Immunology' lab, students use ELISA to detect antigens. Which of the following best explains why a positive result occurs?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme-linked antibody binds to the antigen, producing a color change.

Question 19

A student is preparing for the 'Virus' lab. Which of the following best describes the role of viruses in horizontal gene transfer?

Accepted Answer

Viruses can mediate transduction by transferring genetic material between bacteria.

Microbiology Course Syllabus and Weekly Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards