Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of fimbriae in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and sometimes DNA uptake

Question 2

A bacterium with a single flagellum at each end is described as:

Accepted Answer

Amphitrichous

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for the transfer of genetic material during bacterial conjugation?

Accepted Answer

Sex pilus

Question 4

The energy for bacterial flagellar rotation is derived from:

Accepted Answer

Proton motive force across the plasma membrane

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of the prokaryotic cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis and meiosis

Question 6

A bacterium is observed to move in a corkscrew fashion through viscous media. Which structure is most likely responsible for this movement?

Accepted Answer

Axial filaments (endoflagella)

Question 7

Which of the following inclusions is primarily used for carbon storage in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules

Question 8

What is the main function of carboxysomes in CO$$_2-$$fixing bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Compartmentalization of Rubisco for CO$$_2$$ fixation

Question 9

Which of the following statements about bacterial ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They consist of a 30S small subunit and a 50S large subunit

Question 10

A bacterium is found to have a plasmid that can integrate into the host chromosome. This plasmid is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An episome

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why bacterial endospores are highly resistant to heat and chemicals?

Accepted Answer

They have a thick protein coat and a cortex of peptidoglycan

Question 12

During chemotaxis, how do bacteria respond to increasing concentrations of an attractant?

Accepted Answer

They decrease the frequency of tumbles and move in longer runs

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during bacterial endospore formation (sporulation)?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication → cortex formation → spore coat synthesis → mother cell lysis

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of bacterial inclusions?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 15

A bacterium is observed to move in short, jerky motions across a surface. Which structure is most likely involved in this type of motility?

Accepted Answer

Type IV pili

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the nucleoid in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

An irregularly shaped region containing circular, supercoiled DNA

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible consequence if a bacterium loses its plasmid carrying antibiotic resistance genes?

Accepted Answer

It may lose its selective advantage in the presence of antibiotics

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between bacterial and archaeal ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Archaeal ribosomes are more similar to eukaryotic ribosomes than to bacterial ribosomes

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of gas vacuoles in aquatic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They provide buoyancy by trapping gases

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the bacterial flagellar basal body is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains multiple rings that anchor the flagellum and function as a motor

Prokaryotic Cell Structure: External and Cytoplasmic Components

Study Guide - Practice Questions