Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a key difference between the domains Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while Archaea have pseudopeptidoglycan.

Question 2

Why are prokaryotic cells generally small in size (0.5–2.0 μm in diameter)?

Accepted Answer

Small size increases the surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Question 3

A bacterium that can change its shape depending on environmental conditions is described as:

Accepted Answer

Pleomorphic

Question 4

Which arrangement describes spherical bacteria found in clusters?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococci

Question 5

During binary fission, what is the correct sequence of events?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome replication → Cell elongation → Septum formation → Cell partitioning → Daughter cell separation

Question 6

Which feature is unique to the plasma membrane of Archaea compared to Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Presence of long-branched fatty acids

Question 7

A Gram-negative bacterium is more resistant to penicillin than a Gram-positive bacterium. Which structural feature explains this?

Accepted Answer

Presence of an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 8

Which of the following genera are acid-fast due to the presence of mycolic acid in their cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Mycobacterium and Nocardia

Question 9

What would happen to a bacterial cell placed in a hypertonic solution?

Accepted Answer

Water would leave the cell, causing plasmolysis.

Question 10

Which transport mechanism requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 11

A bacterium with flagella distributed all over its surface is described as:

Accepted Answer

Peritrichous

Question 12

Which structure allows spirochetes to move in a corkscrew motion?

Accepted Answer

Periplasmic flagella (axial filaments)

Question 13

Fimbriae are important for which of the following bacterial functions?

Accepted Answer

Adhering to surfaces and forming biofilms

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the glycocalyx capsule in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Protects against desiccation and enhances pathogenicity by evading the immune system

Question 15

Which statement about prokaryotic ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of a 50S and a 30S subunit, forming a 70S ribosome.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of inclusion bodies in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Storage of nutrients or special substances such as carbon-fixing enzymes or magnetic iron

Question 17

Why are endospores a significant concern in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

They are highly resistant to environmental stresses and can survive on surfaces for extended periods.

Question 18

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the process of sporulation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission of the endospore

Question 19

A patient is infected with Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium known for endospore formation. Which property of endospores makes infection control particularly challenging?

Accepted Answer

Endospores can survive harsh disinfectants and persist in the environment.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why Gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible to penicillin than Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer that is targeted by penicillin.

Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for Microbiology

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