Question 1

Which of the following is considered a macronutrient for most microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Potassium

Question 2

Iron is classified as a micronutrient in most bacteria. Why is iron still essential for cellular function?

Accepted Answer

It is a cofactor in enzymes involved in respiration, such as cytochromes.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the role of siderophores in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They bind and sequester iron from the environment for cellular use.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a correct pairing of enzyme class and its function?

Accepted Answer

Synthase – breaks down molecules

Question 5

During glycolysis, which enzyme catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate?

Accepted Answer

Hexokinase

Question 6

Which of the following statements about substrate-level phosphorylation is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It involves the direct transfer of a phosphate group from an organic substrate to ADP.

Question 7

What is the main difference between macronutrients and micronutrients in microbial nutrition?

Accepted Answer

Macronutrients are required in larger amounts, while micronutrients are needed in trace amounts.

Question 8

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of folic acid deficiency in humans?

Accepted Answer

Spina bifida in newborns

Question 9

In the context of redox reactions in metabolism, which mnemonic helps remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction?

Accepted Answer

LEO the lion says GER: Lost Electrons Oxidation, Gain Electrons Reduction

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the fate of pyruvate produced during glycolysis in a facultative microbe when oxygen is present?

Accepted Answer

It is converted to acetyl-CoA and enters the citric acid cycle for aerobic respiration.

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the net ATP yield from glycolysis per molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

$$2\ \mathrm{ATP}$$

Question 12

Which molecule acts as the primary short-term energy carrier in cells?

Accepted Answer

ATP

Question 13

What is the role of NAD+ in glycolysis?

Accepted Answer

It acts as an electron acceptor and is reduced to NADH.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes oxidative phosphorylation?

Accepted Answer

ATP is generated using a proton-motive force created by an electron transport chain.

Question 15

Which of the following is a growth factor, not an element, and therefore not found on the periodic table?

Accepted Answer

Folic acid

Question 16

Which of the following statements about ATP synthase is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes ATP using the energy from protons moving across a membrane.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of long-term energy storage in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the fate of NADH produced in glycolysis is correct?

Accepted Answer

It can be used to regenerate NAD+ during fermentation or donate electrons to the electron transport chain during respiration.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why facultative microbes prefer aerobic respiration over fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic respiration produces more ATP per glucose molecule.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in glycolysis for the enzymes you are required to know?

Accepted Answer

Hexokinase → Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase → Pyruvate kinase

Microbial Nutrients, Metabolism, and Glycolysis: Essential Concepts for Microbiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions