Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between catabolism and anabolism in microbial metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Catabolism involves the breakdown of molecules to release energy, while anabolism uses energy to build complex molecules.

Question 2

During glycolysis, what are the net products generated from one molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

$$2$$ ATP, $$2$$ NADH, and $$2$$ pyruvate

Question 3

In the Krebs cycle, only two carbons from pyruvate enter the cycle as acetyl-CoA. What happens to the third carbon?

Accepted Answer

It is released as $$CO_2$$ during the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the electron transport chain (ETC) in bacteria is correct?

Accepted Answer

The ETC uses the oxidation of NADH and FADH$$_2 to $$create a proton gradient across the membrane.

Question 5

What is the primary role of chemiosmosis and the proton motive force in ATP production?

Accepted Answer

To drive ATP synthesis by ATPase using the flow of protons down their gradient.

Question 6

During anaerobic respiration in bacteria, which of the following can serve as a final electron acceptor instead of oxygen?

Accepted Answer

$$NO_3$$^-$$ (nitrate)

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why fermentation yields less ATP than aerobic respiration?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation does not use the electron transport chain, so most of the energy in glucose remains in the end products.

Question 8

If a bacterial cell metabolizes one molecule of glucose by fermentation, approximately how many ATP molecules are produced?

Accepted Answer

$$2$$ ATP

Question 9

Which statement best describes the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.

Question 10

In prokaryotic cells, where does transcription occur and which enzyme is primarily responsible?

Accepted Answer

In the cytoplasm, using RNA polymerase

Question 11

Which of the following best distinguishes genotype from phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype is the genetic makeup, while phenotype is the observable characteristics.

Question 12

A mutation in bacterial DNA is most accurately described as:

Accepted Answer

A rare, heritable change in the nucleotide sequence of the genome.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a physical mutagen?

Accepted Answer

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Question 14

Which process involves the uptake of naked DNA by a competent bacterial cell?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 15

In bacterial conjugation, what is the role of the F plasmid?

Accepted Answer

It enables the donor cell to form a sex pilus and transfer genetic material.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes transduction in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of bacterial genes by a bacteriophage from a donor to a recipient cell.

Question 17

A bacterial cell is exposed to gamma radiation, resulting in a mutation. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

An induced mutation caused by a physical mutagen.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about plasmids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry genes for antibiotic resistance.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why bacteria adapt more quickly to changing environments than higher organisms?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have higher mutation rates and can exchange genes through horizontal gene transfer.

Question 20

A hospital-acquired strain of E. coli is found to be resistant to multiple antibiotics. Which genetic element is most likely responsible for this trait?

Accepted Answer

R plasmid

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