Question 1

Which of the following statements correctly describes a major difference between the two prokaryotic domains, Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have ether-linked membrane lipids, while Bacteria have ester-linked lipids.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an extracellular structure commonly found in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Nucleoid

Question 3

What is the average diameter of a typical prokaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

$$0.5-5\ \mu m$$

Question 4

Which structural feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 5

A patient is infected with a Gram-negative bacterium. Which property of its cell envelope makes it more resistant to certain antibiotics and detergents?

Accepted Answer

Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharide

Question 6

Which of the following best describes passive transport in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient without energy input

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water and shrink (plasmolysis).

Question 8

Which structure is primarily responsible for motility in most prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 9

How do periplasmic flagella benefit spirochetes in terms of movement and survival?

Accepted Answer

They enable corkscrew motion, facilitating movement through viscous environments.

Question 10

Which statement best describes the organization of DNA in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA is organized in a nucleoid region without a surrounding membrane.

Question 11

During prokaryotic cell division, how is DNA replication coordinated with cell growth?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication and cell division are tightly coupled, often overlapping.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of thylakoids in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Storage of genetic material

Question 13

What is the primary function of bacterial endospores?

Accepted Answer

Enable survival in harsh environmental conditions

Question 14

Which of the following bacteria is known to cause disease in humans via endospore formation?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus anthracis

Question 15

Why are antibiotics that target peptidoglycan synthesis generally ineffective against human cells?

Accepted Answer

Human cells lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Question 16

Which antibiotic mechanism specifically targets bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Tetracycline binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit

Question 17

A Gram-positive bacterium is exposed to lysozyme. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Lysozyme will break down the thick peptidoglycan layer, leading to cell lysis.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why Gram-negative bacteria are less susceptible to penicillin than Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

Which equation best represents the osmotic pressure ($$\Pi) $$experienced by a prokaryotic cell in a solution?

Accepted Answer

$$\Pi = iMRT$$

Question 20

A scientist observes that a bacterial cell is able to survive in a highly acidic environment. Which cell structure is most likely responsible for this resistance?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes

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