Question 1

Which of the following best describes catabolism in microbial metabolism?

Accepted Answer

The breakdown of larger molecules into smaller products to release energy.

Question 2

Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions by which of the following mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

By lowering the activation energy required for the reaction.

Question 3

During a redox reaction in microbial metabolism, what happens to the donor molecule?

Accepted Answer

It is oxidized.

Question 4

Which process is responsible for the direct transfer of a phosphate group from one substrate to another during ATP synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Substrate-level phosphorylation

Question 5

A molecule binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, causing a change in the enzyme's shape and function. This site is called:

Accepted Answer

Allosteric site

Question 6

Which cellular process produces the greatest amount of ATP per molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

Electron Transport Chain

Question 7

Cellular respiration results in the complete breakdown of $$	ext{glucose} to $$which products?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{CO}_2$$ and water

Question 8

What is the main function of photosystems in microbial cells?

Accepted Answer

To absorb light energy and store it in the form of ATP and NADPH

Question 9

The Calvin-Benson cycle, a part of photosynthesis, is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Carbon fixation

Question 10

Which process occurs in the absence of oxygen, oxidizes NADH to NAD$$^+$$, and reduces cellular organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation

Question 11

An organism that uses light as an energy source and $$	ext{CO}_2 as $$its sole carbon source is classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph

Question 12

A bacterium that thrives in the Arctic is most likely a:

Accepted Answer

Psychrophile

Question 13

If a bacterial cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink.

Question 14

During which phase of the microbial growth curve are cells adapting to new conditions and synthesizing enzymes for novel nutrients?

Accepted Answer

Lag phase

Question 15

A bacterial species has a generation time of 30 minutes. If you start with 1 cell, how many cells will there be after 2 hours?

Accepted Answer

16 cells

Question 16

Which statement about plasmids is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids are generally the same size as the chromosome.

Question 17

Which nitrogenous base is found in RNA but not in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Uracil

Question 18

Why is DNA replication described as semiconservative?

Accepted Answer

Each daughter DNA molecule is composed of one parent strand and one daughter strand.

Question 19

The short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication are called:

Accepted Answer

Okazaki fragments

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement of the central dogma of genetics?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is then translated to form polypeptides.

Microbiology Study Guide: Metabolism, Nutrition, Growth, and Genetics

Study Guide - Practice Questions