Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the function of the bacterial capsule?

Accepted Answer

It prevents phagocytosis, acting as a virulence factor.

Question 2

A bacterium is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the most likely outcome for the cell?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Question 3

Which component is unique to the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria and contributes to their ability to cause fever in humans?

Accepted Answer

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why endospores are significant in food microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Endospores can survive heat, dryness, and radiation, making them resistant to food processing.

Question 5

Which structure is responsible for motility in prokaryotic cells and is composed of a basal body, hook, and filament?

Accepted Answer

Flagellum

Question 6

A bacterium is exposed to penicillin. Which type of cell wall structure makes it more susceptible to this antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive cell wall with thick peptidoglycan layer

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the genetic material in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Single circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the osmotic movement of water across a semipermeable membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$J = -L_p (\Delta P - \sigma \Delta \pi)$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of transport of nutrients and waste products

Question 10

A scientist observes a bacterium moving toward a light source. Which term best describes this behavior?

Accepted Answer

Phototaxis

Question 11

Which of the following statements about biofilms is correct?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms are sticky matrices containing a variety of microbes living together attached to surfaces.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why Mycobacterium species are resistant to many antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Their cell walls contain mycolic acids, making them waxy and impermeable.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of the glycocalyx in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Serves as a site for protein synthesis

Question 14

Which of the following structures is involved in conjugation and transfer of genetic material between bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation pilus

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative cell walls have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of peptidoglycan?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) linked by peptide bridges.

Question 17

A bacterium is observed to move by flexing and corkscrew rotation. Which group does it most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Spirochetes

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane in ATP production in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

It houses the electron transport chain for oxidative phosphorylation.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the cell wall in maintaining cellular integrity under osmotic stress?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the cell from bursting in hypotonic environments by providing structural support.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the movement of prokaryotic flagella?

Accepted Answer

Flagella rotate, powered by a motor in the cell membrane, generating movement.

Prokaryotic Cytology: Structure and Function of Prokaryotic Cells

Study Guide - Practice Questions