Question 1

Which of the following statements correctly describes a key difference between the two prokaryotic domains, Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have ether-linked membrane lipids, while Bacteria have ester-linked lipids.

Question 2

Which of the following is an extracellular structure commonly found in prokaryotes that aids in attachment to surfaces and evasion of the host immune system?

Accepted Answer

Capsule

Question 3

What is the average diameter of a typical prokaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

$$0.5-5\ \mu m$$

Question 4

Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria differ in their cell envelope structure. Which feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 5

A patient is infected with a Gram-negative bacterium. Which property of the cell envelope makes this bacterium more resistant to certain antibiotics compared to Gram-positive bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Outer membrane acts as a barrier to many antibiotics

Question 6

Which of the following best describes passive transport in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Movement of substances down their concentration gradient without energy input

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water and shrink (plasmolysis).

Question 8

Which structure is primarily responsible for bacterial motility?

Accepted Answer

Flagellum

Question 9

How do periplasmic flagella benefit spirochetes in terms of movement and survival?

Accepted Answer

They enable corkscrew motion, facilitating movement through viscous environments.

Question 10

Which statement best describes the organization of DNA in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA is organized in a nucleoid region without a surrounding membrane.

Question 11

During prokaryotic cell division, how is DNA replication coordinated with cell growth?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication and cell division are tightly coupled, often overlapping.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of thylakoids in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Storage of genetic material

Question 13

Magnetosomes in certain bacteria serve which primary function?

Accepted Answer

Orientation along magnetic fields for navigation

Question 14

Which statement about bacterial endospores is correct?

Accepted Answer

Endospores are highly resistant dormant structures formed under stress.

Question 15

Which of the following bacteria is known to cause disease in humans via endospore formation?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus anthracis

Question 16

Why are antibiotics that target peptidoglycan synthesis generally ineffective against human cells?

Accepted Answer

Human cells lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Question 17

Which antibiotic mechanism specifically targets bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Binding to the 70S ribosome and blocking translation

Question 18

A scientist is testing a new antibiotic that inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis. Which type of bacteria would be most susceptible to this antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria due to their thick peptidoglycan layer

Question 19

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of cell surface area for a spherical prokaryotic cell with radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$A = 4\pi r^2$

Question 20

A Gram-negative bacterium is exposed to a hypotonic solution. Which process will most likely prevent the cell from bursting?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a rigid peptidoglycan layer providing structural support

Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for Microbiology

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