Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the rules for scientific nomenclature in biology?

Accepted Answer

The genus name is always capitalized, and the species name is always lowercase; both are italicized or underlined.

Question 2

Who is credited with devising the modern system of taxonomy used in biology?

Accepted Answer

Carl Linnaeus

Question 3

Which of the following groups is NOT considered a microorganism within the purview of microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Plants

Question 4

Which experiment by Louis Pasteur disproved the theory of spontaneous generation?

Accepted Answer

He used a swan-neck flask to show that microorganisms would not grow in boiled broth unless exposed to air.

Question 5

The 'Golden Age of Microbiology' was directly enabled by:

Accepted Answer

The development of the compound light microscope

Question 6

Which investigator provided evidence for the germ theory of disease by demonstrating that anthrax was caused by a specific bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Robert Koch

Question 7

A compound light microscope differs from a simple microscope in that:

Accepted Answer

It uses two sets of lenses for magnification: the objective and the ocular.

Question 8

If the objective lens of a light microscope is $40	imes$ and the ocular lens is $10	imes$, what is the total magnification?

Accepted Answer

$400	imes$

Question 9

What is the primary advantage of using immersion oil at high magnifications in light microscopy?

Accepted Answer

It increases resolution by reducing light refraction.

Question 10

Which type of microscopy would be most appropriate for visualizing live, unstained cells to observe their internal structures?

Accepted Answer

Phase-contrast microscopy

Question 11

In the Gram stain procedure, what would happen if the decolorizer step was omitted?

Accepted Answer

Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative cells would appear purple.

Question 12

Which stain is used to identify bacteria with waxy cell walls, such as Mycobacterium species?

Accepted Answer

Acid-fast stain

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Both have plasma membranes, ribosomes, and DNA.

Question 14

Which bacterial shape and arrangement is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Staphylobacilli

Question 15

Which structure is responsible for motility in prokaryotes and differs structurally from its eukaryotic counterpart?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 16

Gram-negative cell walls differ from Gram-positive cell walls in that Gram-negative walls:

Accepted Answer

Have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.

Question 17

Which genera of bacteria are capable of forming endospores?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus and Clostridium

Question 18

Which of the following protozoa is associated with causing malaria?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium

Question 19

Which two members of the algae are associated with poisoning rather than infection?

Accepted Answer

Dinoflagellates and diatoms

Question 20

A vector is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

An organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another.

Microbiology Exam 1 Study Guide: Step-by-Step Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions