Microbial Structure and Function

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What are the basic shapes of bacteria?

The basic shapes of bacteria are cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral).

What is the function of a bacterial cell wall?

The bacterial cell wall provides structural support and protection to the cell.

What are pili?

Pili are hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that help in attachment to surfaces and in conjugation.

What is the role of ribosomes in microbial cells?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis in cells.

What is the nucleoid?

The nucleoid is the region in prokaryotic cells where the genetic material (DNA) is located.

How do flagella function in bacteria?

Flagella are tail-like structures that enable bacteria to move.

What are endospores?

Endospores are highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria to survive extreme conditions.

What is binary fission?

Binary fission is the process by which bacteria reproduce, involving the division of a single cell into two identical cells.

How do fungi obtain nutrients?

Fungi absorb nutrients from organic matter in their environment, often decomposing it in the process.

What are prions?

Prions are infectious agents composed of protein that cause neurodegenerative diseases.

What is the difference between yeast and mold?

Yeast are unicellular fungi, while molds are multicellular fungi that form filamentous structures.

What is the viral envelope?

The viral envelope is a lipid membrane derived from the host cell that surrounds some viruses, helping them to infect cells.

How do parasites differ from free-living organisms?

Parasites rely on a host organism for sustenance and often cause harm to the host, while free-living organisms do not depend on a host for survival.

What is a plasmid?

A plasmid is a small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that is separate from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently.

What are biofilms?

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and are encased in a protective matrix.





Test Your Knowledge

Select the correct option


1. What are the basic shapes of bacteria?

Filamentous, amorphous, rhomboidal

Spherical, cuboidal, toroidal

Ovoid, triangular, hexagonal

Cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), spirilla (spiral)

2. What is the function of a bacterial cell wall?

Provides structural support and protection to the cell

Attaches bacteria to surfaces

Serves as a platform for protein synthesis

Helps in DNA replication

3. What are pili?

Hair-like structures that help in attachment to surfaces and in conjugation

Flagella that enable bacteria to swim

Thick walls that protect against antibiotics

Circular DNA elements within bacteria

4. What is the role of ribosomes in microbial cells?

They maintain cell shape

They help in cell division

They are responsible for protein synthesis

They convert DNA to RNA

5. What is the nucleoid?

The region in prokaryotic cells where the genetic material (DNA) is located

A protein layer surrounding certain viruses

A cell wall component that provides rigidity

A structure involved in encoding ribosomal RNA

6. How do flagella function in bacteria?

They provide cellular energy production

They are tail-like structures that enable bacteria to move

They facilitate genetic exchange in conjugation

They protect bacteria from dehydration

7. What are endospores?

Highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria to survive extreme conditions

Regions of active DNA replication

Structures used for bacterial nutrition

Protein complexes that mediate cell adhesion

8. What is binary fission?

Fusion of two bacterial cells into one

The process by which bacteria reproduce, dividing into two identical cells

A method for bacterial environmental adaptation

A cycle of bacterial dormancy and activation

9. How do fungi obtain nutrients?

Absorb nutrients from organic matter in their environment

Take up inorganic phosphate through vesicles

Utilize photosynthesis for energy production

Convert nitrogen into organic compounds using enzymes

10. What are prions?

Infectious agents composed of protein that cause neurodegenerative diseases

RNA molecules involved in gene regulation

Bacterial structures for motility

Lipids involved in cell membrane structure

11. What is the difference between yeast and mold?

Yeast are aerobic, molds are anaerobic

Yeast form spores, molds do not

Yeast are unicellular fungi, while molds are multicellular

Yeast and molds are both unicellular fungi

12. What is the viral envelope?

A lipid membrane that surrounds some viruses, aiding in infection

A protein layer inside the viral genome

A sticky layer of polysaccharides

An external shell of cellular calcium

13. How do parasites differ from free-living organisms?

Parasites rely on a host for sustenance and often cause harm to it

Parasites can synthesize their own food

Free-living organisms replicate inside a host

Parasites live independently without a host

14. What is a plasmid?

A small, circular piece of DNA in bacteria, separate from chromosomal DNA

A lipid droplet involved in metabolism

The main structure of bacterial flagella

A protein anchor in the cell wall

15. What are biofilms?

Complex communities of microorganisms attached to surfaces

Substances absorbed by fungi for nutrition

Proteins that help bacteria move

Cells that undergo rapid binary fission