Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a key difference between the domains Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while Archaea have pseudopeptidoglycan.

Question 2

Why do prokaryotic cells tend to be small in size (typically 0.5–2.0 μm in diameter)?

Accepted Answer

Small size increases the surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Question 3

A bacterium that can change its shape depending on environmental conditions is described as:

Accepted Answer

Pleomorphic

Question 4

Which arrangement describes spherical bacteria found in clusters?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococci

Question 5

During binary fission, what is the correct sequence of events?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome replication → cell elongation → septum formation → cell partitioning → daughter cell separation

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why Gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to penicillin than Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that restricts entry of penicillin.

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Which cell wall component is detected by the acid-fast stain in the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Mycolic acid

Question 8

Which of the following best describes osmosis in a bacterial cell placed in a hypertonic solution?

Accepted Answer

Water moves out of the cell, resulting in plasmolysis.

Question 9

Which transport mechanism requires energy and moves substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 10

A bacterium with flagella distributed all over its surface is described as:

Accepted Answer

Peritrichous

Question 11

Which structure allows bacteria to adhere to surfaces and is important for biofilm formation?

Accepted Answer

Fimbriae

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the prokaryotic glycocalyx capsule?

Accepted Answer

Protects against desiccation and immune attack

Question 13

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are the site of protein synthesis and support the endosymbiotic theory.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of inclusion bodies in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They store nutrients and other substances for later use.

Question 15

Why are endospores a significant concern in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

They are highly resistant to environmental stresses and can survive on surfaces for long periods.

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the plasma membrane of Archaea compared to Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Archaea can have lipid monolayers, while Bacteria have only lipid bilayers.

Question 17

A scientist observes a bacterium with a tuft of flagella at one pole. What is the correct term for this arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Lophotrichous

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of sporulation?

Accepted Answer

Formation of a metabolically inactive, highly resistant structure in response to stress

Question 19

Which of the following is a medically relevant, endospore-forming genus?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus

Question 20

A bacterium is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell, causing it to swell. What type of solution is this?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function: A Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions