Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells possess both.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an appendage found on the external surface of bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Cilia

Question 3

A bacterium with a single flagellum at one end is described as:

Accepted Answer

Monotrichous

Question 4

Which part of the bacterial flagellum is responsible for anchoring it to the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Basal body

Question 5

How does a bacterial flagellum respond when an attractant is present in its environment?

Accepted Answer

It rotates in a way that propels the cell toward the attractant, increasing runs and decreasing tumbles.

Question 6

What is the primary function of fimbriae on bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and other cells

Question 7

Which statement correctly describes the two types of glycocalyx found in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Slime layer is loosely organized and capsule is tightly organized.

Question 8

Phagocytosis is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The process by which a cell uses its plasma membrane to engulf large particles.

Question 9

Why is biofilm formation a significant problem in public health?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms can increase antimicrobial resistance and complicate infections in medical devices.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining cell shape and preventing cell lysis

Question 11

Gram-positive bacteria differ from Gram-negative bacteria in that Gram-positive bacteria:

Accepted Answer

Have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane

Question 12

During Gram staining, what is the primary reason Gram-positive bacteria appear purple while Gram-negative bacteria appear reddish-pink?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain due to their thick peptidoglycan layer.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a differential staining method?

Accepted Answer

Simple stain

Question 14

Why is Gram staining important in the medical field?

Accepted Answer

It guides antibiotic treatment by identifying cell wall structure.

Question 15

What is the function of the O-antigen in Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It protects bacteria against bactericidal agents and is used for serological classification.

Question 16

Which statement best describes the nucleoid in a bacterial cell?

Accepted Answer

It is a region containing tightly coiled (supercoiled) DNA without a surrounding membrane.

Question 17

Plasmids in bacteria are important because they:

Accepted Answer

Carry extra genes that can confer antibiotic resistance.

Question 18

Which process involves the direct transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another through cell-to-cell contact?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 19

Which of the following is a unique property of bacterial endospores?

Accepted Answer

They are resistant to boiling and can survive for long periods in harsh environments.

Question 20

Archaea are classified as prokaryotes. What makes them unique compared to bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They contain unique genetic sequences in their RNA and have distinct membrane lipids and cell walls.

Comprehensive Study Notes: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, Bacterial Structure, and Staining Methods

Study Guide - Practice Questions