Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between genotype and phenotype in a bacterial cell?

Accepted Answer

Genotype is the set of genes an organism carries, while phenotype is the expression of those genes as observable characteristics.

Question 2

A scientist is comparing DNA organization in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes have circular chromosomes in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotes have linear chromosomes in the nucleus.

Question 3

Which formula correctly calculates bacterial generation time ($$g) $$given total time ($$T) $$and number of generations ($$n$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$g = \frac{T}{n}$$

Question 4

A mutation changes a single nucleotide in a gene but does not alter the amino acid sequence of the protein. What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Silent mutation

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why RNA viruses evolve faster than DNA viruses?

Accepted Answer

RNA polymerases lack proofreading ability, resulting in higher mutation rates.

Question 6

Which scenario illustrates horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium acquires a plasmid from another bacterium through conjugation.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of plasmids in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Carrying essential genes for cell survival

Question 8

A patient is exposed to a virus. Which method would best detect if the patient has developed antibodies against the virus?

Accepted Answer

ELISA assay for viral antibodies

Question 9

Which equation represents the exponential growth of bacteria, where $$N is $$the final cell number, $$N_0 is $$the initial cell number, and $$n is $$the number of generations?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ 	imes 2^n$$

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Lytic replication results in immediate destruction of the host cell, while lysogenic replication allows phage DNA to persist in the host genome.

Question 11

Which of the following microbes would most likely thrive in a deep-sea hydrothermal vent?

Accepted Answer

Thermophile

Question 12

A microbiologist is culturing anaerobic bacteria. Which technique would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Use of a gas-pak jar to remove oxygen

Question 13

Which term describes a chemical agent that kills microbes but is not safe for use on living tissue?

Accepted Answer

Disinfectant

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of reverse transcriptase?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizes DNA from an RNA template

Question 15

Which phase of bacterial growth is characterized by rapid cell division and exponential increase in cell number?

Accepted Answer

Log (exponential) phase

Question 16

Which of the following is a major contributor to viral genome evolution and can lead to new viral strains?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic drift

Question 17

Which equation would you use to calculate the number of generations ($$n) if $$you know the initial cell number ($$N_0) $$and final cell number ($$N$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$n = \log_2$ \left( \frac{N}{N_0$} \right)$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a halophile?

Accepted Answer

A microbe that requires high salt concentrations for growth

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of transduction in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium receives antibiotic resistance genes from a virus that previously infected another bacterium.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes prions?

Accepted Answer

Misfolded proteins that cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

Microbiology Genetics, Viruses, and Growth Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards