Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of a plasmid in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a small, circular DNA molecule that can carry antibiotic resistance genes and be transferred between bacteria.

Question 2

A scientist is studying a bacterium that can acquire new genetic traits by taking up naked DNA from its environment. Which process is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A mutation that does not alter the amino acid sequence due to the redundancy of the genetic code.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why viruses are not included in the taxonomic scheme proposed by Carl Woese?

Accepted Answer

Viruses do not have ribosomal RNA, which is essential for the classification scheme.

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with a disease caused by a bacterium that is spiral-shaped and moves using flagella. Which genus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Spirochete

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic of the lysogenic cycle in bacteriophages?

Accepted Answer

The phage DNA integrates into the host genome and can remain dormant.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences exponentially.

Question 8

A nonsense mutation in a gene results in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Gram stain?

Accepted Answer

It distinguishes bacteria based on differences in their cell wall structure.

Question 10

A patient presents with a disease caused by Borrelia. Which vector is most likely responsible for transmission?

Accepted Answer

Tick

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of a capsid in a virus?

Accepted Answer

It is the protein shell that encases the viral genome.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world example of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium acquiring antibiotic resistance genes via a plasmid from another bacterium.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a way in which viruses differ from other pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Viruses lack cytoplasm and organelles.

Question 14

A patient is diagnosed with hepatitis B. Which type of infectious agent is responsible for this disease?

Accepted Answer

Virus

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a frame shift mutation?

Accepted Answer

A mutation that results from the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, altering the reading frame.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a genus and a disease it causes?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria – gonorrhea

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage?

Accepted Answer

The phage immediately replicates and causes the host cell to burst, releasing new phages.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about serology?

Accepted Answer

It is the study of antigen-antibody interactions in blood serum.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of a vector in microbiology?

Accepted Answer

An organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another.

Question 20

A patient is diagnosed with a disease caused by a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the intestines and can cause urinary tract infections. Which genus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia

Microbiology Study Guide: Unit 2 Exam Preparation

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards