Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, while eukaryotic cells possess one.

Question 2

Which structure is present in all prokaryotic cells and is essential for maintaining cell shape and protecting against osmotic pressure?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 3

A bacterium is found to be photosynthetic. Which of the following statements is most likely true about this organism?

Accepted Answer

It contains internal membrane systems for photosynthesis but lacks chloroplasts.

Question 4

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 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the process of facilitated diffusion in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient via specific membrane proteins

Question 7

A scientist observes a bacterium with a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane. Which type of bacterium is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of bacterial fimbriae?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and other cells

Question 9

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of the surface area to volume ratio ($$SA:V) $$for a spherical bacterium of radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$SA:V = \frac{4 \pi r^2$}{\frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$}$$

Question 10

Which of the following statements about bacterial endospores is correct?

Accepted Answer

Endospores are highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria to survive harsh conditions.

Question 11

A patient is infected with a bacterium that is rod-shaped and forms chains. Which term best describes the shape and arrangement of this bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Streptobacillus

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why active transport is necessary for some molecules to enter bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Active transport moves molecules against their concentration gradient using energy.

Question 13

Which of the following is a key feature of the Gram-negative bacterial cell envelope?

Accepted Answer

Presence of an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of bacterial ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the endosymbiotic theory is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the bacterial capsule in pathogenesis?

Accepted Answer

It helps bacteria evade phagocytosis by host immune cells.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order of steps in the Gram stain procedure?

Accepted Answer

Crystal violet, iodine, alcohol, safranin

Question 18

A bacterium is found to have a periplasmic space. Which of the following is most likely true about this bacterium?

Accepted Answer

It is Gram-negative.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why bacteria with a high surface area to volume ratio can grow faster in nutrient-poor environments?

Accepted Answer

A higher surface area to volume ratio increases the efficiency of nutrient uptake.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about bacterial chromosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial chromosomes are typically circular and located in the nucleoid region.

Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function: Study Guide

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