Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic chromosomes are linear and located in the nucleus, while prokaryotic chromosomes are circular and found in the nucleoid region.

Question 2

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the growing chain?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction, requiring synthesis in short fragments called Okazaki fragments.

Question 4

A hospital is experiencing an outbreak of a multidrug-resistant bacterial infection. Which of the following is the most likely reason for the rapid spread of resistance among bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer via plasmids allows resistance genes to spread quickly between bacteria.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about sterilization, disinfection, and antisepsis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization kills all forms of microbial life, including spores, while disinfection only reduces the number of pathogens on inanimate objects.

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of microbial death rate under constant exposure to a disinfectant?

Accepted Answer

$N_t = N_0 	imes e^{-kt}$

Question 7

A patient is prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic. What is a major risk associated with this treatment?

Accepted Answer

Development of an opportunistic pathogen due to disruption of normal microbiota.

Question 8

Which of the following is a limitation of many disinfectants when used to treat surfaces contaminated with organic matter?

Accepted Answer

Disinfectants are inactivated by organic matter, reducing their effectiveness.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Endospores allow bacteria to survive harsh environmental conditions such as heat, desiccation, and chemicals.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a method by which bacteria can acquire new genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between lytic and lysogenic viral replication cycles?

Accepted Answer

Lytic cycle results in immediate destruction of the host cell, while lysogenic cycle integrates viral DNA into the host genome and can remain dormant.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about prions?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases by inducing abnormal folding of normal proteins.

Question 13

Which of the following is a major difference between mitosis and meiosis in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells.

Question 14

Which of the following is the most resistant form of microbial life to physical and chemical control methods?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial endospores

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Kirby-Bauer test?

Accepted Answer

It measures the zone of inhibition to determine the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics.

Question 16

Which of the following is a common mechanism by which bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Production of enzymes that inactivate the antibiotic, such as beta-lactamases.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of a virus?

Accepted Answer

Viruses consist of a nucleic acid core surrounded by a protein capsid, and some have an additional lipid envelope.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of the Baltimore classification system for viruses?

Accepted Answer

It classifies viruses based on their type of nucleic acid and the method of replication.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the process of bacterial conjugation?

Accepted Answer

It involves the direct transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via a pilus.

Microbiology Exam 2 Study Guide: Chapters 7–13

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards