Question 1

Which scientist is credited with disproving the theory of spontaneous generation through his famous swan-neck flask experiment?

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the function of the bacterial capsule (glycocalyx)?

Accepted Answer

It protects bacteria from phagocytosis and desiccation.

Question 3

A microbiologist observes a cell with a nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Which type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a step in the Gram stain procedure?

Accepted Answer

Application of methylene blue

Question 5

Which process is defined as the uptake of solid particles by a cell?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 6

A bacterium is classified as a thermophile. Which temperature range would you expect it to grow best in?

Accepted Answer

$$45\ ^\circ \mathrm{C} to$$ $$70\ ^\circ \mathrm{C}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct pairing of bacterial cell wall components?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan: N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid

Question 8

Which phase of the bacterial growth curve is characterized by rapid cell division and exponential increase in population?

Accepted Answer

Log (exponential) phase

Question 9

Which of the following microscopes would be best for viewing the surface details of a virus particle?

Accepted Answer

Electron scanning microscope

Question 10

Which metabolic process involves the breakdown of molecules to release energy?

Accepted Answer

Catabolism

Question 11

A bacterial species is described as a facultative anaerobe. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It can grow with or without oxygen.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the bacterial flagellum?

Accepted Answer

Motility

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the size of a bacterial population after $$n$$ generations, given an initial population $$N_0$$?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ 	imes 2^n$$

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a eukaryotic cellular component?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan

Question 15

Which process is used by bacteria to reproduce asexually by splitting into two identical daughter cells?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 16

Which of the following statements about Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in their outer membrane.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct definition of an obligate aerobe?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium that requires oxygen for growth.

Question 18

Which of the following is a competitive inhibitor of an enzyme?

Accepted Answer

A molecule that binds to the active site and blocks substrate binding.

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct order of the taxonomic hierarchy from broadest to most specific?

Accepted Answer

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why most scientists believe prokaryotic cells evolved first?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, which is considered a primitive feature.

Microbiology Study Guide: Key Concepts and Learning Objectives

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards