Chapter 3
Multiple-Choice Test:
Objective 1: Describe the function of each of the following components of a prokaryotic cell:
1. What is the function of the capsule/slime layer in a prokaryotic cell?
a. Protection against antibiotics
b. Storage of genetic material
c. Facilitate cell movement
d. Enhance cell adhesion
Answer: d. Enhance cell adhesion
2. The primary function of flagella in prokaryotic cells is:
a. Genetic material storage
b. Cellular communication
c. Cell movement
d. Protection against environmental stress
Answer: c. Cell movement
3. What is the function of pili in prokaryotic cells?
a. Energy production
b. DNA transfer between cells
c. Protection against toxins
d. Protein synthesis
Answer: b. DNA transfer between cells
4. The plasma membrane of a prokaryotic cell is primarily involved in:
a. Energy production
b. DNA replication
c. Cellular communication
d. Selective permeability
Answer: d. Selective permeability
5. Where does ribosome function occur in a prokaryotic cell?
a. Cytoplasm
b. Nucleus
c. Mitochondria
d. Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: a. Cytoplasm
6. Endospores in prokaryotic cells are formed for:
a. Reproduction
b. Protection during harsh conditions
c. Energy storage
d. Enhancing cell motility
Answer: b. Protection during harsh conditions
7. What is the primary function of plasmids in prokaryotic cells?
a. Energy production
b. Genetic diversity
c. Cell structure
d. Antibiotic resistance
Answer: d. Antibiotic resistance
8. Genome organization in prokaryotic cells refers to the arrangement of:
a. Organelles within the cell
b. Genetic material in the nucleus
c. Genetic material in the cytoplasm
d. Ribosomes in the cell
Answer: c. Genetic material in the cytoplasm
Objective 2: Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells:
9. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of eukaryotic cells but not prokaryotic cells?
a. Plasma membrane
b. Ribosomes
c. Nucleus
d. Flagella
Answer: c. Nucleus
10. How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in terms of organelles?
a. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do not.
b. Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.
c. Both have similar organelles.
d. Neither have organelles.
Answer: b. Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.
11. In prokaryotic cells, where is DNA located?
a. Nucleus
b. Mitochondria
c. Ribosomes
d. Cytoplasm
Answer: d. Cytoplasm
12. Which cellular structure is present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
a. Nucleus
b. Plasma membrane
c. Endoplasmic reticulum
d. Golgi apparatus
Answer: b. Plasma membrane
Objective 3: Differentiate between gram + and gram – cells:
13. Gram-positive cells differ from Gram-negative cells in:
a. Cell wall thickness
b. Presence of an outer membrane
c. Susceptibility to detergents and antibiotics
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
14. Which type of cell has a thicker peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall?
a. Gram-positive
b. Gram-negative
Answer: a. Gram-positive
Objective 4: Describe the compound light microscope and its main parts:
15. The main function of a compound light microscope is to:
a. Magnify images
b. Increase contrast
c. Visualize microorganisms
d. Illuminate specimens
Answer: a. Magnify images
16. What are the three main concepts of microscopy?
a. Magnification, resolution, and contrast
b. Illumination, staining, and observation
c. Focusing, zooming, and brightness
d. Reflection, absorption, and refraction
Answer: a. Magnification, resolution, and contrast
17. What is the purpose of heat fixation in microscopy?
a. Enhance contrast
b. Kill bacteria and adhere cells to the slide
c. Increase resolution
d. Stain cells
Answer: b. Kill bacteria and adhere cells to the slide
Objective 5: Describe different types of microscopes and the need for electron microscopes:
18. Which microscope is best suited for observing internal cellular structures with high resolution?
a. Compound light microscope
b. Transmission electron microscope
c. Scanning electron microscope
d. Fluorescence microscope
Answer: b. Transmission electron microscope
19. Why is the electron microscope needed for certain observations?
a. It has higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes.
b. It uses visible light for imaging.
c. It is more cost-effective.
d. It requires simpler sample preparation.
Answer: a. It has higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes.
Objective 6: Be familiar with the use of chemical stains/dyes:
20. In the Gram stain method, what color do Gram-positive bacteria stain?
a. Red
b. Purple
c. Blue
d. Green
Answer: b. Purple
21. What is the purpose of heat fixation in staining techniques?
a. Enhance contrast
b. Kill bacteria and adhere cells to the slide
c. Increase resolution
d. Stain cells
Answer: b. Kill bacteria and adhere cells to the slide
22. Which staining technique is used to differentiate between different types of cells or structures?
a. Simple staining
b. Differential staining
c. Structural staining
d. Gram staining
Answer: b. Differential staining
23. What is the primary difference between acidic and basic dyes?
a. Color
b. Charge
c. Molecular weight
d. Solubility
Answer: b. Charge