Question 1

Which enzyme is responsible for binding to the inverted repeats of a transposon and making a staggered cut in the target DNA sequence?

Accepted Answer

Transposase

Question 2

What is the result each time a transposable element 'jumps' to a new location in the genome?

Accepted Answer

A new duplication forms in the target DNA

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a bacterial genome?

Accepted Answer

It is mostly coding DNA with few nucleotides between genes

Question 4

What is the primary function of topoisomerases in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

To supercoil DNA and compact the chromosome

Question 5

Which of the following statements about plasmids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids replicate autonomously and are usually circular

Question 6

A researcher finds a DNA molecule in a bacterium that is much smaller than the main chromosome, circular, and can replicate independently. What is this molecule most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

A plasmid

Question 7

Which process involves the transfer of plasmids from a donor to a recipient cell via direct cell-to-cell contact?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 8

What is metagenomics?

Accepted Answer

The analysis of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples

Question 9

Which of the following mechanisms allows bacteria to acquire plasmids from dead cells in their environment?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 10

A bacterium receives a plasmid via a bacteriophage. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the size range of bacterial and archaeal chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

$$490 to$$ $$9,400$$ kilobase pairs (kb)

Question 12

Which of the following is a key difference between bacterial and eukaryotic genomes?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial genomes have relatively few nucleotides between genes

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which plasmids are transmitted between bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Translation

Question 14

What is the main reason plasmids are considered important in microbial evolution?

Accepted Answer

They can carry genes for antibiotic resistance and other adaptive traits

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the process of DNA supercoiling?

Accepted Answer

The compaction of the chromosome by twisting the DNA molecule

Question 16

Which of the following statements about secondary chromosomes in bacteria is correct?

Accepted Answer

They evolve from plasmids

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct result of the action of transposase?

Accepted Answer

Formation of a staggered cut in the target DNA

Question 18

Which of the following best defines a genome?

Accepted Answer

All the DNA in an organism, including genes and noncoding regions

Question 19

Which of the following is a common misconception about plasmids?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids are larger than chromosomes

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between metagenomics and microbiomes?

Accepted Answer

Metagenomics analyzes the collective genomes of microbial communities in an environment

Transposons, Genomes, Plasmids, and Metagenomics in Microbiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards