Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the ultimate function of microbial metabolism?

Accepted Answer

To reproduce the organism

Question 2

Which process is exergonic and involves breaking larger molecules into smaller products?

Accepted Answer

Catabolism

Question 3

What is the role of enzymes in microbial metabolism?

Accepted Answer

They increase the likelihood of a reaction by lowering activation energy

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a correct statement about catabolic and anabolic pathways?

Accepted Answer

Catabolic pathways synthesize large molecules from smaller products

Question 5

Which molecule is primarily used by cells to store energy for metabolic processes?

Accepted Answer

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

Question 6

During glycolysis, what is the net gain of ATP molecules per molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

$$2$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes substrate-level phosphorylation?

Accepted Answer

Direct transfer of a phosphate group from one substrate to ADP

Question 8

What is the correct sequence of stages in cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of acetyl-CoA, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain

Question 9

Which of the following is a product of the Krebs cycle per glucose molecule?

Accepted Answer

$$2$$ molecules of $$FADH_2$

Question 10

In the electron transport chain, what is the main function of the series of carrier molecules?

Accepted Answer

To pass electrons from one to another to a final electron acceptor

Question 11

Which of the following statements about fermentation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation uses an organic molecule as the final electron acceptor

Question 12

Which type of organism uses light as an energy source and carbon dioxide as a carbon source?

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph

Question 13

Which toxic form of oxygen is most likely to cause irreparable damage to cells due to its high reactivity?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl radical

Question 14

Which group of organisms can survive in the presence or absence of oxygen, but do not use oxygen for metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Aerotolerant anaerobes

Question 15

Nitrogen fixation by certain bacteria is essential for life on Earth because:

Accepted Answer

It converts nitrogen gas into ammonia, making nitrogen available for biosynthesis

Question 16

Which physical effect of water restricts organisms to certain environments and is crucial for halophiles?

Accepted Answer

Osmotic pressure

Question 17

Which type of microbe would most likely thrive in a hot spring with temperatures above $$80^{\circ}C$?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthermophile

Question 18

Biofilms are more harmful than individual microorganisms because:

Accepted Answer

They develop an extracellular matrix that protects and sequesters nutrients

Question 19

During which phase of the microbial growth curve do cells divide at their maximum rate?

Accepted Answer

Log (exponential) phase

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water and shrink

Microbial Metabolism: Foundations and Processes

Study Guide - Practice Questions