Question 1

Which of the following best explains why immersion oil is used with the 100x objective lens in light microscopy?

Accepted Answer

It increases the numerical aperture by reducing light refraction between the specimen and the lens.

Question 2

A microbiologist is using a compound light microscope with a 40x objective lens and a 10x ocular lens. What is the total magnification being used?

Accepted Answer

$40 	imes 10 = 400$

Question 3

Which type of microscopy would be most appropriate for observing the detailed surface structures of a virus particle?

Accepted Answer

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Question 4

A scientist wants to observe living, unstained cells to study their internal structures. Which microscope should they use?

Accepted Answer

Phase-contrast microscope

Question 5

Which of the following statements about resolution in microscopy is correct?

Accepted Answer

Resolution increases as the wavelength of light decreases.

Question 6

A Gram stain is performed on a bacterial sample. After the decolorization step, Gram-negative cells appear:

Accepted Answer

Colorless

Question 7

Which staining technique would be most appropriate to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a sputum sample?

Accepted Answer

Acid-fast stain

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the purpose of using a differential stain?

Accepted Answer

To distinguish between different types of cells or structures based on their staining properties

Question 9

A researcher is using a fluorescence microscope to identify a pathogen in a tissue sample. What is the principle behind this technique?

Accepted Answer

The specimen emits visible light after being excited by ultraviolet light.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct statement about the use of basic and acidic dyes in staining?

Accepted Answer

Basic dyes stain acidic structures, which are more common in bacterial cells.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a correct pairing of microscope type and its best application?

Accepted Answer

Bright-field microscope: observing detailed surface structures of viruses

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the principle of binomial nomenclature in taxonomy?

Accepted Answer

Each organism is given a two-part scientific name consisting of its genus and species.

Question 13

A clinical laboratory uses a dichotomous key to identify an unknown bacterium. What is the main feature of a dichotomous key?

Accepted Answer

It presents a series of paired statements or questions, each leading to further choices.

Question 14

Which of the following is a major advantage of DNA barcoding in microbial identification?

Accepted Answer

It allows rapid comparison of unknown DNA sequences to a database of known organisms.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the three-domain system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It classifies all life into Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya based on genetic differences.

Question 16

A laboratory technician is using a biochemical test to identify a bacterial pathogen. What is the principle behind this method?

Accepted Answer

It distinguishes bacteria based on their ability to utilize or produce specific chemicals.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between wavelength and resolving power in microscopy?

Accepted Answer

Shorter wavelengths provide greater resolving power.

Question 18

A sample is stained with a flagellar stain. What is the main purpose of this staining technique?

Accepted Answer

To visualize the presence and arrangement of flagella on bacterial cells.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why contrast is important in microscopy?

Accepted Answer

It allows differentiation between the specimen and the background, improving visibility.

Question 20

A scientist is comparing the 16S rRNA gene sequences of two bacterial species. What is the main reason for using this gene in phylogenetic studies?

Accepted Answer

The 16S rRNA gene is highly conserved and present in all bacteria, allowing for evolutionary comparisons.

Microscopy, Staining, and Classification in Microbiology Chapter 4

Study Guide - Practice Questions