Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus surrounded by a nuclear envelope, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.

Question 2

Which type of mutation results in a premature stop codon, potentially leading to a truncated protein?

Accepted Answer

Nonsense mutation

Question 3

During conjugation in bacteria, which structure is primarily responsible for transferring genetic material between cells?

Accepted Answer

Pilus

Question 4

Which eukaryotic pathogen is responsible for African sleeping sickness?

Accepted Answer

Trypanosoma brucei

Question 5

A bacterial cell picks up a plasmid from its environment. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Encoding essential genes for cell survival

Question 7

Which mutation type changes a single nucleotide but does NOT alter the amino acid sequence of the protein?

Accepted Answer

Neutral (silent) mutation

Question 8

Which of the following eukaryotic organisms can cause malaria in humans?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium malariae

Question 9

The endosymbiotic theory explains the origin of which eukaryotic cell organelle?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 10

Which process involves the direct transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another via a pilus?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 11

A patient presents with chronic diarrhea after traveling to a tropical region. Which eukaryotic pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Giardia

Question 12

Which of the following best describes DNA replication in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It occurs in the nucleus and involves multiple origins of replication.

Question 13

Which of the following is a fungal disease caused by a eukaryote?

Accepted Answer

Tinea pedis

Question 14

Which of the following equations correctly represents the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

$$DNA \rightarrow RNA \rightarrow Protein$$

Question 15

A mutation changes the codon $$GAA ($$glutamic acid) to $$GUA ($$valine). What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Missense mutation

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 17

Which eukaryotic organism is responsible for infecting the vagina?

Accepted Answer

Trichomonas vaginalis

Question 18

Which of the following statements about protein synthesis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of a deletion mutation?

Accepted Answer

A mutation where one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence.

Question 20

Which eukaryotic organism can be responsible for the yellowing of leaves by blocking sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Slime mold

Microbiology Study Guide: Cell Types, Mutations, Gene Transfer, and Eukaryotic Pathogens

Study Guide - Practice Questions