Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the genus and specific epithet in scientific nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

The genus refers to a group of closely related species, while the specific epithet identifies the individual species within the genus.

Question 2

Which of the following groups of microorganisms are classified as prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria and archaea

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the three domains of life is correct?

Accepted Answer

The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Question 4

Which of the following best summarizes the germ theory of disease?

Accepted Answer

Diseases are caused by the presence and actions of specific microorganisms.

Question 5

A microbe measures $$10\ \mu m in $$length. How long is this in nanometers ($$nm$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$10,000\ nm$$

Question 6

Why do electron microscopes have greater resolution than light microscopes?

Accepted Answer

Because electrons have a much shorter wavelength than visible light.

Question 7

Which staining technique would be most appropriate to identify bacteria in the genera Mycobacterium and Nocardia?

Accepted Answer

Acid-fast stain

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why mycoplasmas are resistant to antibiotics that interfere with cell wall synthesis?

Accepted Answer

They lack a cell wall entirely.

Question 9

A bacterial cell is placed in a solution with a high concentration of salt. What is the most likely outcome for the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will undergo plasmolysis as water leaves the cell.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of bacterial endospores?

Accepted Answer

They allow bacteria to survive harsh environmental conditions.

Question 11

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S, while eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S.

Question 12

A strict anaerobe is inoculated into a tube of thioglycollate broth. Where would you expect to see growth?

Accepted Answer

Only at the bottom of the tube.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to chemical biocides than gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that restricts entry of many chemicals.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process of binary fission in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A process in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Question 15

A bacterial culture is in the stationary phase of growth. Which of the following best explains what is happening in the culture?

Accepted Answer

The number of new cells being produced is equal to the number of cells dying.

Question 16

Which of the following is a direct method for measuring microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

Plate count method.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about sterilization is correct?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization removes or destroys all forms of microbial life, but some exceptions exist in practice, such as prions.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why moist heat is generally more effective than dry heat for microbial control?

Accepted Answer

Moist heat denatures proteins more rapidly due to better heat transfer.

Question 19

Which of the following is a reason why biofilms are medically important?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms protect bacteria from the host immune system and increase resistance to antimicrobial agents.

Question 20

A patient is infected with a bacterium that produces catalase and superoxide dismutase. What does this indicate about the bacterium's oxygen requirements?

Accepted Answer

It is likely an obligate aerobe or a facultative anaerobe.

Microbiology Exam 1 Study Guide: Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards