Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration synthesis in the formation of macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

It joins monomers to form polymers by removing a water molecule.

Question 2

A scientist is studying a microbe that is 2 micrometers in diameter. Which metric unit would best describe its size?

Accepted Answer

Micrometers

Question 3

Which of the following statements about DNA structure is correct?

Accepted Answer

The 5' phosphate end of one strand is paired with the 3' OH end of the other strand.

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct match of monomer and polymer?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid and polypeptide

Question 5

A patient is infected with a microbe that lacks a nucleus and has a cell wall containing peptidoglycan. How should this microbe be classified?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 6

Which of the following best explains the medical relevance of microbial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Cell walls determine antibiotic susceptibility, such as penicillin targeting peptidoglycan.

Question 7

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

A thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of plasmids in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They carry extrachromosomal DNA that can provide antibiotic resistance.

Question 9

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand?

Accepted Answer

Ligase

Question 10

A culture of bacteria is grown in a closed system. After a period of rapid growth, the population levels off. Which phase of the growth curve is this?

Accepted Answer

Stationary phase

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct description of the Endosymbiotic Theory?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotes by engulfing other cells that became organelles.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane in prokaryotes related to cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

It houses the electron transport chain for ATP production.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization removes all microbes, while disinfection reduces microbial numbers but may not eliminate all pathogens.

Question 14

A scientist is culturing a halophile. Which environment would best support its growth?

Accepted Answer

A medium with high salt concentration

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct example of a physical method for controlling microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

Using an autoclave to sterilize surgical instruments

Question 16

Which of the following best describes semiconservative DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one new strand.

Question 17

Which of the following is a suggestion for decolonizing science?

Accepted Answer

Including diverse perspectives and acknowledging contributions from non-Western scientists.

Question 18

A biofilm is formed by bacteria on a medical implant. Which of the following best explains the health risk associated with biofilms?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms increase antibiotic resistance and can cause persistent infections.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype determines phenotype by providing instructions for protein synthesis.

Question 20

A scientist is studying a microbe that is classified as an obligate anaerobe. Which of the following best describes its growth requirements?

Accepted Answer

It cannot grow in the presence of oxygen.

Microbiology Study Guide: Biomolecules, Cells, Genomes, Growth, and Control

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