Question 1

Which of the following best explains why bacteria are generally much smaller than eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which allows for more efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Question 2

A scientist observes a microorganism with a single circular chromosome, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall made of peptidoglycan. Which domain does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 3

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes Archaea from Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have cell walls made of pseudomurein, while Bacteria have cell walls made of peptidoglycan.

Question 4

A virus is observed to have a phospholipid bilayer surrounding its protein coat. What is this structure called, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Envelope; it helps the virus enter host cells by fusing with the host membrane.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the genetic material and replication of prions?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins that lack nucleic acids and replicate by inducing misfolding of normal host proteins.

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area-to-volume ratio for a spherical cell of radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{3}{r}$$

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with Lyme disease. Which of the following features is unique to the causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, compared to most other bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It incorporates cholesterol from host cells into its outer membrane.

Question 8

Which of the following is a key advantage of small cell size in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Increased surface area relative to volume allows for faster nutrient exchange.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference in ribosome structure between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes have 70S ribosomes, while eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of viruses?

Accepted Answer

They contain both DNA and RNA in their core.

Question 11

A microbiologist is studying a microbe that divides by mitosis, contains membrane-bound organelles, and has a polysaccharide cell wall. Which group does this organism most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryote

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why viruses are considered non-living?

Accepted Answer

They cannot carry out metabolism or reproduce independently outside a host cell.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world application of beneficial microbes?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation of foods such as cheese and alcohol.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the genetic material of most prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

A single circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the cell wall composition of Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have cell walls made of pseudomurein, not peptidoglycan.

Question 16

A patient with a weakened immune system develops an infection from a normally harmless microbe. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

An opportunistic infection

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of plasmids in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They often carry genes that confer advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance.

Question 18

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells but not prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of membrane-bound organelles

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why prion diseases are difficult to treat?

Accepted Answer

Prions are misfolded proteins that do not contain nucleic acids, making them resistant to standard sterilization and immune responses.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between surface area ($$A) $$and volume ($$V) $$for a spherical cell as the radius ($$r) $$increases?

Accepted Answer

As $$r$$ increases, $$V$$ increases faster than $$A$$, leading to a decreased surface area-to-volume ratio.

Microbial Size, Shape, and Diversity: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards