Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Protects against changes in osmotic pressure in the environment

Question 2

A Gram-negative bacterium is exposed to an antibiotic that targets peptidoglycan synthesis. Which structural feature makes it more resistant to this antibiotic compared to Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Presence of an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide

Question 3

Which component of the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane can trigger fever and inflammation in humans?

Accepted Answer

Lipid A of lipopolysaccharide

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Lophotrichous

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why Mycobacterium species require a special staining technique?

Accepted Answer

Their cell walls contain high levels of mycolic acid

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prevents phagocytosis by host immune cells

Question 7

A bacterium is found to survive extreme heat, desiccation, and exposure to chemicals. Which structure is most likely responsible for this resistance?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the chemical composition of peptidoglycan?

Accepted Answer

Repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid crosslinked by tetrapeptides

Question 9

Which transport system in prokaryotic cells uses ATP hydrolysis to move substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transport system

Question 10

A patient is infected with a Gram-negative bacterium. Which of the following best explains why this bacterium is more resistant to certain antibiotics than Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It possesses an outer membrane that restricts entry of many drugs

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Motility by rotation

Question 12

Which of the following is a unique feature of the cell membrane phospholipids in Archaea compared to Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Presence of ether linkages in phospholipids

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

DNA replication, cross wall formation, cell separation

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the periplasmic space is important in Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It contains enzymes and proteins involved in nutrient acquisition and cell wall synthesis

Question 15

A bacterium is observed to have a thick peptidoglycan layer and teichoic acids in its cell wall. Which Gram reaction will it show and why?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive, because of the thick peptidoglycan and teichoic acids

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of porins in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Allow passive diffusion of small hydrophilic molecules

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the nucleoid in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a region containing the cell's DNA without a surrounding membrane

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the role of the proton motive force (PMF) in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is used to drive ATP synthesis and active transport

Question 19

A bacterium is found to have a capsule that is water-soluble and loosely attached to the cell wall. What is the correct term for this structure?

Accepted Answer

Slime layer

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of inclusions such as polyhydroxybutyrate in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Serve as storage granules for carbon and energy

Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes

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