Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic chromosomes are circular and typically singular, while eukaryotic chromosomes are linear and multiple.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase III

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the lagging strand during DNA replication is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is synthesized in short fragments called Okazaki fragments.

Question 4

A scientist is using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a segment of DNA. Which of the following is NOT a required step in a typical PCR cycle?

Accepted Answer

Translation of mRNA into protein

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of an operon in prokaryotic gene regulation?

Accepted Answer

An operon is a group of genes that are transcribed together and regulated by a single promoter.

Question 6

A mutation changes the codon $	ext{UAC}$ (which codes for tyrosine) to $	ext{UAA}$. What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Nonsense mutation

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in bacterial translation initiation?

Accepted Answer

Binding of the small ribosomal subunit to the mRNA, recognition of the start codon, binding of the initiator tRNA, joining of the large ribosomal subunit

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of transformation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Uptake of naked DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell

Question 9

A researcher wants to insert a gene of interest into a plasmid vector. Which enzyme is most commonly used to cut both the plasmid and the gene at specific sequences?

Accepted Answer

Restriction endonuclease

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct description of the three domains of life?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya are the three domains, distinguished by differences in cell structure and genetics.

Question 11

Which of the following is a key difference between lytic and lysogenic bacteriophage cycles?

Accepted Answer

The lytic cycle results in immediate destruction of the host cell, while the lysogenic cycle integrates the phage DNA into the host genome.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why endospore formation is important for certain bacteria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

A patient is diagnosed with malaria. Which type of microorganism is responsible for this disease?

Accepted Answer

Protozoan

Question 14

Which of the following statements about plasmogamy in fungal sexual reproduction is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plasmogamy is the penetration of the cytoplasm of a recipient cell by a haploid donor cell.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct description of mechanical transmission of disease by insects?

Accepted Answer

The insect physically carries the pathogen on its body parts to a new host without the pathogen multiplying inside the insect.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of reverse transcriptase in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes DNA from an RNA template.

Question 17

A scientist is using gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA fragments. Which property of DNA allows it to move through the gel when an electric current is applied?

Accepted Answer

DNA is negatively charged and moves toward the positive electrode.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the use of the genetic code in translation?

Accepted Answer

Each codon in mRNA specifies a particular amino acid according to the genetic code.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world application of recombinant DNA technology in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Production of genetically modified crops with increased resistance to pests

Question 20

A bacterial cell is exposed to a mutagen that causes a frameshift mutation. Which of the following best describes the likely effect on the resulting protein?

Accepted Answer

The protein will likely be nonfunctional due to a shift in the reading frame.

Microbiology Exam 2 Study Guide: Genetics, Recombinant DNA, Classification, and Eukaryotic Microbes

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