Question 1

Which of the following best describes a bacterial colony?

Accepted Answer

A visible cluster of bacteria that grows on the surface of solid media, typically arising from a single bacterial cell or a small group of cells.

Question 2

Which cellular structure is present in eukaryotic cells but absent in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Membrane-enclosed organelles

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a universal activity common to all microbial cells?

Accepted Answer

Motility

Question 4

Microbes have played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth by:

Accepted Answer

Shaping the environment, enabling complex life, and influencing evolution through their activities.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a microbial contribution to agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 6

Which domain of life is characterized by the presence of a true nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya

Question 7

A scientist observes a cell with isoprenoid chains attached to glycerol by ether linkages in its membrane. This cell most likely belongs to which group?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 8

Which of the following statements about capsules and slime layers is correct?

Accepted Answer

Capsules are tightly attached to the cell surface and help bacteria evade the immune system.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why small cell size is advantageous for bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It increases the surface area-to-volume ratio, enhancing nutrient uptake and waste elimination.

Question 10

During the process of gluconeogenesis, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids, lactate, or glycerol.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Provides structural support and protects against osmotic lysis.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between simple transport and group translocation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Simple transport moves molecules across the membrane without chemical modification, while group translocation chemically modifies the molecule during transport.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the proton motive force ($\Delta p$) in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It is generated by the movement of protons across the membrane and is used to drive ATP synthesis.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why fermentation is different from respiration?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation uses organic molecules as the final electron acceptor, while respiration uses inorganic molecules such as oxygen.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key function of microbial fermentation in the human gut?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of dietary fibers and production of short-chain fatty acids.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the Gram-positive bacterial cell wall is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains a thick layer of peptidoglycan.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of endospores in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They allow bacteria to survive harsh environmental conditions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a property of the archaeal cytoplasmic membrane that distinguishes it from the bacterial membrane?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of isoprenoid chains attached to glycerol by ether linkages.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the importance of gluconeogenesis in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It allows cells to synthesize glucose from non-carbohydrate sources when external glucose is unavailable.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of microbes in food preservation?

Accepted Answer

Microbes are used in fermentation processes to produce food preservatives such as acids and alcohols.

Microbiology Study Guide: Lectures 1–12 Key Concepts and Review

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards