Chapter 04

Prokaryotic Profiles: The Bacteria and Archaea

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a prokaryote?
A. Its DNA is not encased in a membrane.
B. It has a cell wall made of peptidoglycans or other distinct chemicals.
C. It does not have membrane-bound organelles.
D. Its DNA is wrapped around histones.
E. It is unicellular.

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Cellular Organization

2. The two functions of bacterial appendages are

A. attachment and protection.
B. attachment and motility.
C. motility and slime production.
D. energy reactions and synthesis.
E. protection and motility.

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Section Number: 04.02

Topic: External Bacterial Structures

3. Bacterial cells could have any of the following appendages except

A. flagella.
B. cilia.
C. fimbriae.
D. periplasmic flagella (axial filaments).
E. pili.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

4. Spirochetes have a twisting and flexing locomotion due to appendages called

A. flagella.
B. cilia.
C. fimbriae.
D. periplasmic flagella (axial filaments).
E. sex pili.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.03 Describe the three major shapes of bacteria.
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

5. The basal body of a flagellum is anchored into the

A. hook.
B. outer membrane.
C. cell wall.
D. peptidoglycan layer.
E. cell membrane.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.07 Explain how a flagellum works in the presence of an attractant.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

6. The term that refers to the presence of flagella all over the cell surface is
A. amphitrichous.
B. atrichous.
C. lophotrichous.
D. monotrichous.
E. peritrichous.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

7. The term that refers to the presence of a tuft of flagella emerging from the same site is
A. amphitrichous.
B. atrichous.
C. lophotrichous.
D. monotrichous.
E. peritrichous.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

8. The term that refers to flagella at both poles is

A. amphitrichous.
B. atrichous.
C. lophotrichous.
D. monotrichous.
E. peritrichous.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

9. Chemotaxis refers to the ability to

A. move in response to light.
B. move in response to a chemical.
C. not move in response to a chemical.
D. transport desired molecules into a cell.

ASM Objective: 03.02 The interactions of microorganisms among themselves and with their environment are determined by their metabolic
abilities (e.g., quorum sensing, oxygen consumption, nitrogen transformations).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.07 Explain how a flagellum works in the presence of an attractant.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

10. A nutrient binds to receptors near the basal body. This will result in
A. clockwise rotation of flagella.
B. counterclockwise rotation of flagella.
C. inhibition of flagella rotation.
D. numerous tumbles.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.04 Describe other more unusual shapes of bacteria.
Learning Outcome: 04.07 Explain how a flagellum works in the presence of an attractant.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

11. A bacterial cell exhibiting chemotaxis probably has

A. fimbriae.
B. a capsule.
C. thylakoids.
D. flagella.
E. metachromatic granules.

ASM Objective: 03.02 The interactions of microorganisms among themselves and with their environment are determined by their metabolic
abilities (e.g., quorum sensing, oxygen consumption, nitrogen transformations).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.07 Explain how a flagellum works in the presence of an attractant.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

12. The prokaryotic flagellum has three parts in the order from cytoplasm to external
environment. They are
A. filament, hook, and basal body.
B. filament, basal body, and hook.
C. basal body, hook, and filament.
D. hook, basal body, and filament.
E. basal body, filament, and hook.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.07 Explain how a flagellum works in the presence of an attractant.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

13. Movement of a cell toward OR away from a chemical stimulus is termed:

A. phototaxis.
B. taxis.
C. chemotaxis.
D. tumble.
E. motility.

ASM Objective: 03.02 The interactions of microorganisms among themselves and with their environment are determined by their metabolic
abilities (e.g., quorum sensing, oxygen consumption, nitrogen transformations).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.07 Explain how a flagellum works in the presence of an attractant.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

14. The short, numerous appendages used by some bacterial cells for adhering to surfaces are
called
A. flagella.
B. cilia.
C. fimbriae.
D. periplasmic flagella (axial filaments).
E. sex pili.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: External Bacterial Structures
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

15. The transfer of genes during bacterial conjugation involves rigid, tubular appendages
called
A. flagella.
B. cilia.
C. fimbriae.
D. periplasmic flagella (axial filaments).
E. sex pili.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.03 Describe the three major shapes of bacteria.
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Section Number: 04.02
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology

16. Which structure protects bacteria from being phagocytized?

A. slime layer
B. fimbriae
C. cell membrane
D. capsule

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

17. The outcome of the Gram stain is based on differences in the cell's
A. ribosomes.
B. inclusions.
C. cell wall.
D. cell membrane.
E. flagella.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

18. Which order below reflects the correct procedure for Gram staining?
A. alcohol/acetone, crystal violet, safranin, iodine
B. crystal violet, alcohol/acetone, iodine, safranin
C. crystal violet, iodine, alcohol/acetone, safranin
D. iodine, safranin, crystal violet, alcohol/acetone
E. alcohol/acetone, safranin, crystal violet, iodine

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Objective: 08.01 Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures
Topic: Taxonomy of Microorganisms

19. The cell _____ can be composed of three layers: the cell membrane, the cell wall, and the
outer membrane.
A. glycocalyx
B. envelope
C. pathogenic package
D. slime coat

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Learning Outcome: 04.10 Name a substance in the envelope structure of some bacteria that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

20. During the Gram stain, gram-_____ cells decolorize when the alcohol is applied.
A. positive
B. negative
C. Both positive and negative are correct.
D. Neither positive nor negative are correct.

ASM Objective: 02.04 While microscopic eukaryotes (for example, fungi, protozoa, and algae) carry out some of the same processes as
bacteria, many of the cellular properties are fundamentally different.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

21. If bacteria living in salty seawater were displaced to a freshwater environment, the cell
structure that would prevent the cells from rupturing is the
A. endospore.
B. cell wall.
C. cell membrane.
D. capsule.
E. slime layer.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

22. Peptidoglycan is a unique macromolecule found in bacterial

A. cell walls.
B. cell membranes.
C. capsules.
D. slime layers.
E. inclusions.

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

23. A prokaryotic cell wall that has primarily peptidoglycan with small amounts of teichoic
acid and lipoteichoic acid is
A. gram-negative.
B. gram-positive.
C. a protoplast.
D. a spheroplast.
E. acid-fast.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

24. A bacterial genus that has waxy mycolic acid in the cell walls is
A. Mycobacterium.
B. Mycoplasma.
C. Streptococcus.
D. Corynebacterium.
E. Salmonella.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

25. The difference in cell wall structure of Mycobacterium and Nocardia compared to the
typical gram-positive bacterial cell wall structure is
A. more peptidoglycan.
B. predominance of unique, waxy lipids.
C. easily decolorized.
D. presence of lipopolysaccharide.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

26. The _____ stain is used to stain and differentiate Mycobacterium and Nocardia from other
bacteria.
A. acid-fast
B. methylene blue
C. endospore
D. negative
E. basic

ASM Objective: 08.01 Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast).
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

27. _____ is a macromolecule containing alternating N-acetylglucosamine and Nacetylmuramic acid cross-linked by short peptide fragments.
A. Mycolic acid
B. Outer membrane protein
C. Peptidoglycan
D. Lysozyme

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

28. The enzyme _____, that is found in tears and saliva, can hydrolyze the bonds in the glycan
chains of certain bacterial cell walls.
A. penicillinase
B. lysozyme
C. peptidase
D. kinase

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

29. Lysozyme is most effective against

A. gram-negative organisms.
B. gram-positive organisms.
C. mycoplasmas.
D. cyanobacteria.
E. archaea.

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

30. All of the following structures contribute to the ability of pathogenic bacteria to cause
disease except the
A. inclusions.
B. fimbriae.
C. capsule.
D. slime layer.
E. outer membrane of gram-negative cell walls.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Objective: 03.01 Bacteria and Archaea exhibit extensive, and often unique, metabolic diversity (e.g., nitrogen fixation, methane
production, anoxygenic photosynthesis).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

31. Which of the following does not pertain to endotoxins?

A. are specific bacterial cell wall lipids
B. can stimulate fever in the human body
C. can cause septic shock in the human body
D. involved in typhoid fever and some meningitis cases
E. found in acid-fast bacterial cell walls

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.10 Name a substance in the envelope structure of some bacteria that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

32. Lipopolysaccharide is an important cell wall component of

A. gram-negative bacteria.
B. gram-positive bacteria.
C. acid-fast bacteria.
D. mycoplasmas.
E. protoplasts.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.07 Explain how a flagellum works in the presence of an attractant.
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

33. The site/s for most ATP synthesis in prokaryotic cells is/are the
A. ribosomes.
B. mitochondria.
C. cell wall.
D. inclusions.
E. cell membrane.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: Cellular Organization

34. Gram-negative organisms

A. are more susceptible to antibiotics than gram-positive organisms.
B. have a more complex wall with a greater variation in chemical composition.
C. stain purple in the Gram stain.
D. encompass all pathogens.

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

35. A few antibiotics target cell membranes of cells, blocking the incorporation of chemicals
into sterol molecules for the cell membrane. Which statement is true?
A. Bacteria would be unaffected by those specific antibiotics (with very few exceptions).
B. An antibiotic with that kind of action would be an excellent destroyer of bacterial cells.
C. This kind of antibiotic class would destroy viruses only.
D. Only eukaryotic cells are affected by this group of antibiotics.

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Objective: 02.04 While microscopic eukaryotes (for example, fungi, protozoa, and algae) carry out some of the same processes as
bacteria, many of the cellular properties are fundamentally different.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: Cellular Organization

36. Which of the following is not true of the outer membrane?

A. The upper most layer is made of lipopolysaccharides.
B. The inner most layer is a phospholipid bilayer.
C. The porin proteins create channels through the outer membrane.
D. Gram-positive bacteria have an outer membrane.
E. The lipid portion of the lipopolysaccharide layer is an endotoxin.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.10 Name a substance in the envelope structure of some bacteria that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

37. All bacterial cells have

A. one or more chromosomes.
B. one or more fimbriae.
C. the ability to produce endospores.
D. capsules.
E. flagella.

ASM Objective: 04.01 Genetic variations can impact microbial functions (e.g., in biofilm formation, pathogenicity and drug resistance).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
ASM Topic: Module 04 Information Flow
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Cellular Organization
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

38. The most immediate result of destruction of a cell's ribosomes would be

A. material would not be able to cross the cell membrane.
B. protein synthesis would stop.
C. destruction of the cell's DNA.
D. formation of glycogen inclusions.
E. loss of capsule.

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.11 Identify five structures that might be contained in bacterial cytoplasm.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

39. The bacterial chromosome

A. is located in the cell membrane.
B. contains all the cell's plasmids.
C. is part of the nucleoid.
D. forms a single linear strand of DNA.

ASM Objective: 04.01 Genetic variations can impact microbial functions (e.g., in biofilm formation, pathogenicity and drug resistance).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
ASM Topic: Module 04 Information Flow
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

40. Which of the following is mismatched?

A. ribosomes - protein synthesis
B. inclusions - excess cell nutrients and materials
C. plasmids - contain genes essential for growth and metabolism
D. nucleoid - hereditary material
E. cytoplasm - dense, gelatinous solution

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Objective: 04.01 Genetic variations can impact microbial functions (e.g., in biofilm formation, pathogenicity and drug resistance).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
ASM Topic: Module 04 Information Flow
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Cellular Organization
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

41. Magnetosomes are

A. infoldings of the cell membrane.
B. termed metachromatic granules.
C. responsible for the heat resistance of endospores.
D. composed of magnetic iron oxide particles.
E. found in all bacteria.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.11 Identify five structures that might be contained in bacterial cytoplasm.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

42. Plasmids
A. are found in all bacteria.
B. are essential for survival.
C. cannot be passed between organisms.
D. cannot be passed on to progeny.
E. often carry genes controlling pathogenicity.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Objective: 04.01 Genetic variations can impact microbial functions (e.g., in biofilm formation, pathogenicity and drug resistance).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
ASM Topic: Module 04 Information Flow
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.11 Identify five structures that might be contained in bacterial cytoplasm.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

43. The chemical components of ribosomes are proteins and

A. mRNA.
B. tRNA.
C. rRNA.
D. xRNA

ASM Objective: 04.02 Although the central dogma is universal in all cells, the processes of replication, transcription, and translation differ
in Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes.
ASM Topic: Module 04 Information Flow
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

44. The function of bacterial endospores is

A. conversion of gaseous nitrogen to a usable form for plants.
B. reproduction and growth.
C. protection of genetic material during harsh conditions.
D. storage of excess cell materials.
E. as sites for photosynthesis.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Learning Outcome: 04.12 Detail the causes and mechanisms of sporogenesis and germination.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Cellular Organization
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

45. Chemical analysis of a bacterial cell structure detects calcium dipicolinic acid. What is the
identity of this structure?
A. cell wall
B. capsule
C. slime layer
D. nucleoid
E. endospore

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Learning Outcome: 04.12 Detail the causes and mechanisms of sporogenesis and germination.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Cellular Organization
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

46. Endospores are

A. metabolically inactive.
B. resistant to heat and chemical destruction.
C. resistant to destruction by radiation.
D. living structures.
E. All of the choices are correct.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Learning Outcome: 04.12 Detail the causes and mechanisms of sporogenesis and germination.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Cellular Organization
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

47. Bacterial endospores are produced by

A. Staphylococcus.
B. Entamoeba.
C. Bacillus.
D. Mycoplasma.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Learning Outcome: 04.12 Detail the causes and mechanisms of sporogenesis and germination.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Cellular Organization
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

48. Which term is not used to describe bacterial cell shapes?

A. coccus
B. tetrad
C. vibrio
D. bacillus
E. spirochete

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.03 Describe the three major shapes of bacteria.
Learning Outcome: 04.10 Name a substance in the envelope structure of some bacteria that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology

49. Cells form a _____ arrangement when cells in a chain snap back upon each other, forming
a row of cells oriented side by side.
A. tetrad
B. strep
C. staph
D. sarcina
E. palisade

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Learning Outcome: 04.10 Name a substance in the envelope structure of some bacteria that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology

50. An irregular cluster of spherical cells is termed:

A. palisades.
B. sarcina.
C. staphylococcus.
D. streptococcus.
E. spirilla.

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Learning Outcome: 04.11 Identify five structures that might be contained in bacterial cytoplasm.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology

51. A chain of rod-shaped cells would be called a

A. streptobacillus.
B. Staphylobacillus.
C. streptococcus.
D. staphylococcus.
E. palisade.

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.03 Describe the three major shapes of bacteria.
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Learning Outcome: 04.11 Identify five structures that might be contained in bacterial cytoplasm.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology

52. At present, the most accurate indicator of evolutionary relatedness among organisms is to
determine the
A. size of the periplasmic space.
B. similarities of cell membrane proteins.
C. size of the bacterial chromosome.
D. nitrogen base sequence of rRNA.
E. size of the ribosomes.

ASM Objective: 01.01 Cells, organelles (e.g., mitochondria and chloroplasts) and all major metabolic pathways evolved from early
prokaryotic cells.
ASM Topic: Module 01 Evolution
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.06
Topic: Cellular Organization

53. _____ Manual of Systematic Bacteriology is a manual of bacterial descriptions and

classifications.
A. Pasteur's
B. Lister's
C. Bergey's
D. Leeuwenhoek's
E. Koch's

ASM Objective: 08.03 Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological).
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.12 Detail the causes and mechanisms of sporogenesis and germination.
Learning Outcome: 04.14 Differentiate between Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and Bergey's Manual of Determinative
Bacteriology.
Section Number: 04.06
Topic: Taxonomy of Microorganisms

54. Which of the following is not a phenotypic trait of bacteria?

A. rRNA sequence
B. shape
C. culture behavior
D. biochemical reaction

ASM Objective: 01.05 The evolutionary relatedness of organisms is best reflected in phylogenetic trees.
ASM Objective: 08.03 Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological).
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.14 Differentiate between Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and Bergey's Manual of Determinative
Bacteriology.
Section Number: 04.06
Topic: Taxonomy of Microorganisms

55. Serological analysis for bacterial identification typically involves using

A. specific antibodies to the bacterial cell antigens.
B. methods to identify cell enzymes.
C. the analysis of the appearance of colonies.
D. a microscope to determine cell morphology.
E. the determination of guanine + cytosine base concentrations.

ASM Objective: 01.05 The evolutionary relatedness of organisms is best reflected in phylogenetic trees.
ASM Objective: 08.03 Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological).
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.12 Detail the causes and mechanisms of sporogenesis and germination.
Learning Outcome: 04.14 Differentiate between Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and Bergey's Manual of Determinative
Bacteriology.
Section Number: 04.05
Topic: Taxonomy of Microorganisms

56. Which of the following is mismatched?

A. Gracilicutes - gram-negative cell walls
B. Firmicutes - gram-positive cell walls
C. Tenericutes - waxy, acid-fast cell walls
D. Mendosicutes - archaea cell walls

ASM Objective: 01.05 The evolutionary relatedness of organisms is best reflected in phylogenetic trees.
ASM Topic: Module 01 Evolution
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.15 Name four divisions ending in -cutes and describe their characteristics.
Section Number: 04.05
Topic: Taxonomy of Microorganisms

57. Which of the following is mismatched?

A. methanogens - convert CO2 and H2 gases into methane
B. extreme halophiles - adapted to salty habitats
C. psychrophiles - adapted to very low temperatures
D. hyperthermophiles - adapted to high temperatures
E. thermoplasmas - adapted to frozen environments

ASM Objective: 05.01 Microorganisms are ubiquitous and live in diverse and dynamic ecosystems.
ASM Objective: 05.03 Microorganisms and their environment interact with and modify each other.
ASM Topic: Module 05 Systems
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.13 List some differences between archaea and bacteria.
Section Number: 04.06
Topic: Archaea

58. Two major structures that allow bacteria to adhere to surfaces are ___ and ___.
A. pili; ribosomes
B. fimbrae; capsules
C. lipopolysaccharides; techoic acids
D. actin filaments; phospholipid membranes
E. endospores; metachromatic granules

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

59. A client has a serious respiratory infection. A random sample of sputum was taken from
the patient coughing up blood. The lab technician said they had isolated a bacterium that did
not have any peptidoglycan. You hypothesize that the identity of this microbe could possibly
be
A. Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
B. Borrelia burgdorferi.
C. Streptococcus pneumoniae.
D. Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
E. Staphylococcus aureus.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: Cellular Organization
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

60. Halobacterium salinarium lives in and requires salt to grow. This is an example of an
archaebacterium described as a/n
A. osmophile.
B. halophile.
C. thermophile.
D. psychrophile.
E. barophile.

ASM Objective: 05.01 Microorganisms are ubiquitous and live in diverse and dynamic ecosystems.
ASM Objective: 05.03 Microorganisms and their environment interact with and modify each other.
ASM Topic: Module 05 Systems
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.13 List some differences between archaea and bacteria.
Section Number: 04.05
Topic: Archaea

61. Spirochetes are able to move due to

A. a periplasmic flagellum.
B. a membrane-bound flagellum.
C. cilia serving as walking feet.
D. pseudopods.
E. glycocalyx for gliding motility.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.03 Describe the three major shapes of bacteria.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

62. Syphilis is caused by a spirochete called

A. Proteus vulgaris.
B. Chlamydia trachomatis.
C. Treponema pallidum.
D. Staphylococcus aureus.
E. Bacillus anthracis.

ASM Objective: 05.04 Microorganisms, cellular and viral, can interact with both human and nonhuman hosts in beneficial, neutral or
detrimental ways.
ASM Topic: Module 05 Systems
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.15 Name four divisions ending in -cutes and describe their characteristics.
Section Number: 04.06
Topic: Taxonomy of Microorganisms

63. Which of the following species of bacteria is not closely related to the others?
A. Streptoccocus pyogenes
B. Staphylococcus epidermidis
C. Peptostreptococcus anaerobius
D. Escherichia coli
E. Staphylococcus auricularis

ASM Objective: 05.04 Microorganisms, cellular and viral, can interact with both human and nonhuman hosts in beneficial, neutral or
detrimental ways.
ASM Topic: Module 05 Systems
Blooms Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 04.03 Describe the three major shapes of bacteria.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology
Topic: Taxonomy of Microorganisms

True / False Questions

64. Archaea do not have the typical peptidoglycan structure found in bacterial cell walls.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 05.01 Microorganisms are ubiquitous and live in diverse and dynamic ecosystems.
ASM Objective: 05.03 Microorganisms and their environment interact with and modify each other.
ASM Topic: Module 05 Systems
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.13 List some differences between archaea and bacteria.
Section Number: 04.06
Topic: Archaea

65. Prokaryotes include bacteria and viruses.

FALSE

ASM Objective: 01.01 Cells, organelles (e.g., mitochondria and chloroplasts) and all major metabolic pathways evolved from early
prokaryotic cells.
ASM Topic: Module 01 Evolution
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.

Section Number: 04.01

Topic: Cellular Organization

66. Flagella move in a whip-like motion.

FALSE

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.07 Explain how a flagellum works in the presence of an attractant.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

67. The slime layer gives bacteria a greater pathogenicity as compared to the capsule.
FALSE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

68. If during the Gram stain procedure the bacterial cells were viewed immediately after
crystal violet was applied, gram-positive cells would be purple but gram-negative cells would
be colorless.
FALSE

ASM Objective: 08.01 Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast).
ASM Objective: 08.03 Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological).
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology

69. Iodine is the decolorizer in the Gram stain.

FALSE

ASM Objective: 08.01 Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast).
ASM Objective: 08.03 Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological).
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.05 Provide at least four terms to describe bacterial arrangements.
Section Number: 04.01
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology

70. The cell envelope of gram-positive bacteria has two layers: a thick cell wall and the cell
membrane.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

71. Gram-negative bacteria do not have peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

FALSE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.09 Discuss why gram-positive cell walls are stronger than gram-negative cell walls.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

72. Hot carbol fuchsin is the primary dye in the acid-fast stain.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 08.01 Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast).
ASM Objective: 08.03 Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological).
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

73. The region between the bacterial cell membrane and the cell wall is called the outer
membrane.
FALSE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Cellular Organization

74. Bacteria in the genus Mycoplasma and bacteria called L-forms lack cell walls.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.11 Identify five structures that might be contained in bacterial cytoplasm.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

75. The prokaryotic cell membrane is a site for many enzymes and metabolic reactions.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Cellular Organization

76. If you observe rod-shaped, pink cells on a slide that had just been Gram stained, you can
assume that their cell envelope contains endotoxin.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Objective: 08.01 Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
ASM Topic: Module 08 Microbiology Skills
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Section Number: 04.02
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

77. The prokaryotic cell membrane is made of the same materials as the eukaryotic cell
membrane.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Learning Outcome: 04.13 List some differences between archaea and bacteria.
Section Number: 04.01
Section Number: 04.06
Topic: Cellular Organization

78. Both gram-positive and gram-negative cells have outer membranes.

FALSE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

79. Alcohol-based compounds can weaken the outer membrane.

TRUE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

80. The cell envelope or its parts can interact with human tissue and cause disease.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 02.02 Bacteria have unique cell structures that can be targets for antibiotics, immunity, and phage infection.
ASM Objective: 05.04 Microorganisms, cellular and viral, can interact with both human and nonhuman hosts in beneficial, neutral or
detrimental ways.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
ASM Topic: Module 05 Systems
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.08 Differentiate between the two main types of bacterial envelope structure.
Learning Outcome: 04.10 Name a substance in the envelope structure of some bacteria that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

81. Some bacteria have a cytoskeleton of sterols to help maintain their shape.
FALSE

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.01 List the structures all bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.01
Topic: Cellular Organization

82. Endospores of certain bacterial species can enter tissues in the human body, germinate,
and cause an infectious disease.
TRUE

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

83. Boiling water (100C) can normally destroy endospores.

FALSE

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.02
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

84. The term diplococcus refers to an irregular cluster of spherical bacterial cells.
FALSE

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 04.10 Name a substance in the envelope structure of some bacteria that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Bacterial Cellular Morphology

Multiple Choice Questions

85. You have made a smear of a bacterial culture and have performed the Gram stain on it.
Looking at the organism under the microscope, you notice that the cells do not seem to be the
dark blue-purple of a gram-positive reaction, but instead are light blue. Your staining
procedure was performed correctly. What is your best explanation as to why the bacteria have
stained this way?
A. There is something in the wall of the bacteria that has affected the uptake of the crystal
violet into the cell wall, thereby staining it improperly.
B. These are mutant bacteria which cannot be stained like other bacteria.
C. The specimen did not undergo heat fixation before staining: therefore, the primary dye
does not stick properly to the wall.
D. The bacteria were taken from an inappropriate medium and a chemical is interfering with
proper staining of the cells.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 4. Analyze
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

86. In which situation would a bacterium most likely have cytoplasmic inclusions?
A. producing endospores
B. has a habitat abundant in a nutrient such as starch
C. cell is starving for nutrients
D. the cell is producing more flagella

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 04.02 Identify at least four structures that some, but not all, bacteria possess.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: Internal Bacterial Structure

87. You have found a mutant of Streptococcus pneumoniae that has lost the ability to produce
a capsule. If you inject this strain into a population of healthy mice, what prediction can you
make about the consequences?
A. The mice will remain healthy.
B. The mice will die of pneumonia.
C. The mice will get a severe case pneumonia and recover.
D. The infection in the mice will respond to antiviral medication.

ASM Objective: 02.03 Bacteria and Archaea have specialized structures (e.g., flagella, endospores, and pili) that often confer critical
capabilities.
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 04.06 Describe the structure and function of five different types of bacterial external structures.
Section Number: 04.04
Topic: External Bacterial Structures

88. E. coli has been isolated and cultured from three different individuals. However, upon
further testing of these three cultures, you find that there are variations among the three as to
biochemical test reactions. What is your hypothesis as to why this has occurred?

A. Two of the cultures are mutants of the other.

B. The other two cultures are not really E. coli.
C. Mistakes have been made in the testing interpretation.
D. This is just the normal genetic variation seen among strains of a particular species of
bacterium.

ASM Objective: 01.05 The evolutionary relatedness of organisms is best reflected in phylogenetic trees.
ASM Topic: Module 01 Evolution
Blooms Level: 4. Analyze
Learning Outcome: 04.16 Define a species in terms of bacteria.
Section Number: 04.06
Topic: Taxonomy of Microorganisms

89. After staining your patient's specimen, an aspirate from the lungs, by the acid-fast stain
method and focusing on the specimen, you find a large population of hot pink-red bacillus
shaped bacteria in the smear. Which statement is true?
A. This result would be a normal outcome when looking at normal sputum of healthy people.
B. The patient has pneumonia.
C. In all likelihood, the patient has tuberculosis.
D. Your patient has HIV.

ASM Objective: 02.01 The structure and function of microorganisms have been revealed by the use of microscopy (including bright field,
phase contrast, fluorescent, and electron).
ASM Topic: Module 02 Structure and Function
Blooms Level: 4. Analyze
Learning Outcome: 04.10 Name a substance in the envelope structure of some bacteria that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Section Number: 04.03
Topic: External Bacterial Structures