MICROBIOLOGY FINAL EXAM STUDY
GUIDE 2026/2027 WITH 170 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS RATED A+
What is a Transforming Infection?
Virus that alters cell DNA, leading to cancer
What are three noncellular infections agents besides viruses?
Prions, viroids, and satellite viruses.
List the essential nutrients of a bacterial cell:
CHONPS
C - arbon
H - ydrogen
N - itrogen
P - hosphate
S – ulphur
What are four terms tha What are the five types of associations microbes can
have with their hosts?
Mutualism, Commensalism, Parasitism, Antagonism, Synergism
Define mutualism
both organisms benefit
Define commensalism
one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped
Define Parasitism
one species benefits (parasite) and the other is harmed (host)
,Define Antagonism
Members of a community compete (some members are inhibited or destroyed by
others.
What is a lysogenic infection?
Phage DNA is incorporated into host genome and is passed on to subsequent
generations
What is a Lytic Bacteriophage Infection?
Host cell gets so packed with viruses that is lyses (splits) open and releases
mature virions
What are the three principle purposes of cultivating viruses?
1.) Isolate and ID viruses in clinical specimens
2.) Prepare viruses for vaccines
3.) Research viral strucutre, multiplication cycles, genetics, and effects on hosts
What are three ways in which viruses are cultivated?
1.) Using live animal inoculation
2.) Using bird embryos
3.) Using cell (tissue) culture techniques
Define synergism
an optional cooperation where both species benefit, but can grow independently
Characteristic of biofilms that differentiate them from planktonic bacteria:
Biofilms respond to the environment by sensing and planktonic does not resplond
to the environment because they are free floating
How do bacteria divide?
binary fission
What are the four phases of growth in bacterial growth curve?
Lag phase, Log Phase, Stationary Phase, Death Phase
, What are methods besides a growth curve to count bacteria?
Turbidity, Direct Cell COunt,m Automated devises, Flow cytometer
What is metabolism?
All chemical reactions and workings of a cell
What is catabolism?
Breaks down bomnds of larger molecules to release energy and conserves energy
in form of ATP
What is Anabolism?
Use of ATP for biosynthesis
What is the function of enzymes?
Biological catalysts that lower activation energy necessary for a chemical reaction
What is the structure of enzymes?
Unique shapes, Protein. Lock and Key fit.
Whats the difference between Apoenzymes and Haloenzymes:
Apoenzymes: Is the protein part of an enzyme
Haloenzymes (Conjugated Enzymes): Is biochmiecally active compound formed by
combination of an enzume with coenzyme.
Difference between endoenzyme and exoenzyme?
Endo = Intracellular enzyme
Exo = Acts outside the cell
Difference between Constitutive and Regulated Enzymes?
Constitutive: Enzymes consistent present in consistent amounts regardless of
presence of substrate
Regulated: Enzyme production turned on or off depending on the envionment
and presence of substrate
How are enzymes controlled?