Microbiology Exam 1 Mcgraw Hill questions 2026(NEW UPDATED VERSION) LATEST
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS)- GUARANTEED PASS A+ UPDATED GRADED A+
Q1: Which of the following structures is found in all bacterial cells?
A: Cytoplasmic membrane
Rationale: All bacteria have a plasma membrane for selective transport; other structures like cell
wall or flagella are optional.
Q2: Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of:
A: Peptidoglycan
Rationale: The thick peptidoglycan layer retains crystal violet during Gram staining.
Q3: Which organelle is responsible for energy production in eukaryotes?
A: Mitochondria
Rationale: Mitochondria produce ATP via cellular respiration.
Q4: What is the function of bacterial pili?
A: Attachment and conjugation
Rationale: Pili allow bacteria to adhere to surfaces or exchange DNA.
Q5: Capsule production in bacteria primarily enhances:
A: Virulence
Rationale: Capsules protect against phagocytosis and increase pathogenicity.
Q6: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of:
A: Gram-negative outer membrane
Rationale: LPS is an endotoxin triggering strong immune responses.
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Q7: Which structure aids in bacterial motility?
A: Flagella
Rationale: Flagella rotate to propel the bacterium.
Q8: Archaeal cell membranes differ from bacteria because:
A: They contain ether-linked lipids
Rationale: Ether bonds provide stability in extreme environments.
Q9: The bacterial nucleoid contains:
A: Circular DNA
Rationale: Bacteria lack a nucleus; DNA is located in nucleoid region.
Q10: Which structure helps bacteria survive harsh conditions?
A: Endospore
Rationale: Endospores are highly resistant dormant forms.
11–20: Microbial Growth & Metabolism
Q11: The minimum, optimum, and maximum growth temperatures are described by:
A: Cardinal temperatures
Rationale: Defines the range of temperatures supporting microbial growth.
Q12: Obligate anaerobes:
A: Cannot tolerate oxygen
Rationale: Oxygen is toxic due to reactive oxygen species.
Q13: Bacteria doubling at a constant rate in ideal conditions undergo:
A: Logarithmic growth
Rationale: Exponential increase is characteristic of log phase.
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Q14: Which nutrient is required in the largest amount?
A: Carbon
Rationale: Carbon is the main building block of macromolecules.
Q15: Glycolysis occurs in the:
A: Cytoplasm
Rationale: All cells perform glycolysis in cytoplasm to generate ATP.
Q16: Facultative anaerobes:
A: Grow with or without oxygen
Rationale: They can use aerobic respiration when oxygen is present or fermentation when
absent.
Q17: Which phase of growth has maximum cell division?
A: Logarithmic (log) phase
Rationale: Cells divide at a constant rate during log phase.
Q18: Chemoautotrophs obtain energy from:
A: Inorganic chemicals
Rationale: They fix carbon from CO₂ and oxidize inorganic substances for energy.
Q19: Which type of bacteria grows best in high salt concentrations?
A: Halophiles
Rationale: Adapted to survive osmotic stress in saline environments.
Q20: ATP generation by substrate-level phosphorylation occurs in:
A: Glycolysis and Krebs cycle
Rationale: Direct transfer of phosphate to ADP forms ATP.
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