Take This Microbiology Test! Trivia Quiz
There is a lot of things that we get to learn about living things, especially those that we cannot see with our naked eye through studying microbiology. The quiz below is perfect for ensuring that we have a good understanding of it, and it is designed for first-year microbiology students. If you are one of them, try it out and gauge your understanding.
- 1.
Like all organisms, bacteria have both ______ and _______ requirements if they are to grow
Explanation
Bacteria, like all organisms, require both physical and chemical conditions in order to grow. Physical requirements refer to the environmental factors such as temperature, light, and moisture that bacteria need to survive and reproduce. Chemical requirements, on the other hand, include the necessary nutrients and elements that bacteria need to carry out their metabolic processes. These can include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and various minerals. Both physical and chemical factors play a crucial role in creating an optimal environment for bacterial growth and proliferation.Rate this question:
- 2.
Growth usually refers to the increase in which of these
- A.
Increase in the number of cells present
- B.
Increase in the size of cells
Correct Answer
A. Increase in the number of cells presentExplanation
Growth usually refers to an increase in the number of cells present. This means that when an organism grows, it is typically experiencing cell division and an overall increase in the number of cells in its body. This can lead to an increase in size as well, but the primary indicator of growth is the increase in the number of cells.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of these words describes when a cell is in an environment of its "best growth"
- A.
Optimum
- B.
Minimum
- C.
Maximum
Correct Answer
A. OptimumExplanation
The word "optimum" describes when a cell is in an environment of its "best growth". It suggests that there is an ideal condition or level at which the cell can thrive and reach its maximum potential. This term implies that any other condition, whether it is minimum or maximum, would not be as conducive for the cell's growth and development.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of these words describes when a cell is in its lowest possible temperate environment in which it can still grow?
- A.
Optimum
- B.
Minimum
- C.
Maximum
Correct Answer
B. MinimumExplanation
The word "minimum" describes when a cell is in its lowest possible temperature environment in which it can still grow. This means that the cell requires a certain minimum temperature to survive and grow, and any temperature below this minimum would be too cold for its growth.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of these words describes when a cell is in its highest temperate environment in which it can still grow?
- A.
Optimum
- B.
Minimum
- C.
Maximum
Correct Answer
C. MaximumExplanation
The word "maximum" describes when a cell is in its highest temperature environment in which it can still grow. This means that the cell is exposed to the highest temperature it can tolerate while still being able to carry out its normal growth processes. Going beyond this temperature would likely be detrimental to the cell's growth and could potentially cause damage or death.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Can grow at 0 degrees C, optimum at <15 degrees. Are considered obligate with respect to cold. Live normally in arctic conditions.
- A.
Psychrotrophs
- B.
Mesophiles
- C.
Extreme (hyper) thermophiles
- D.
Thermophiles
- E.
Psychrophiles
Correct Answer
E. PsychrophilesExplanation
Psychrophiles are microorganisms that can grow at cold temperatures, with an optimum growth temperature below 15 degrees Celsius. They are considered obligate with respect to cold, meaning that they require cold temperatures to survive and thrive. Psychrophiles are able to live normally in arctic conditions, making them well-adapted to cold environments.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Can grow at 0 degress C, optimum is about 20-30 degrees. Most important with food spoilage.
- A.
Psychrotrophs
- B.
Mesophiles
- C.
Extreme (hyper) thermophiles
- D.
Thermophiles
- E.
Psychrophiles
Correct Answer
A. PsychrotrophsExplanation
Psychrotrophs are microorganisms that are capable of growing at low temperatures, including 0 degrees Celsius. However, their optimum growth temperature is around 20-30 degrees Celsius. They are particularly important in food spoilage, as they can grow and cause spoilage even in refrigerated environments.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Optimal temperatures are 50-60 degrees C, and range from 40-70.
- A.
Psychrotrophs
- B.
Mesophiles
- C.
Extreme (hyper) thermophiles
- D.
Thermophiles
- E.
Psychrophiles
Correct Answer
D. ThermophilesExplanation
Thermophiles are organisms that thrive in high-temperature environments. The given information states that the optimal temperatures for growth are 50-60 degrees Celsius, which falls within the range of temperatures where thermophiles are known to be active. This suggests that the correct answer is "Thermophiles".Rate this question:
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- 9.
Optimal temperatures of 35-40 degrees C, range 10-50. They are the most common, most pathogens are this type.
- A.
Psychrotrophs
- B.
Mesophiles
- C.
Extreme (hyper) thermophiles
- D.
Thermophiles
- E.
Psychrophiles
Correct Answer
B. MesophilesExplanation
Mesophiles are the correct answer because they have an optimal temperature range of 35-40 degrees Celsius, which falls within the given range of 10-50 degrees Celsius. They are also described as the most common type of microorganisms and are capable of growing and reproducing at moderate temperatures.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Optimum temperatures are 80 degrees C or greater (usually archea). Found in volcanoes
- A.
Psychrotrophs
- B.
Mesophiles
- C.
Extreme (hyper) thermophiles
- D.
Thermophiles
- E.
Psychrophiles
Correct Answer
C. Extreme (hyper) thermophilesExplanation
Extreme (hyper) thermophiles are organisms that thrive in extremely high temperatures, typically 80 degrees Celsius or greater. These organisms are often found in volcanic environments where temperatures are elevated. They have adapted to survive and even thrive in these extreme conditions, which would be too hot for most other organisms. This ability to withstand high temperatures makes them well-suited for environments such as hot springs, geothermal areas, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which are the only two types of bacteria that humans come into contact with normally?
- A.
Thermophiles and Psychrophiles
- B.
Extreme thermophiles and Psychrotrophs
- C.
Mesophiles and Psychrotrophs
- D.
Thermophiles and Extreme thermophiles
Correct Answer
C. Mesophiles and Psychrotrophs -
- 12.
Most bacteria thrive in a neutral pH, some are called acidophiles whose optimal pH can be as low as what?
- A.
2
- B.
3
- C.
4
- D.
1
Correct Answer
D. 1Explanation
Acidophiles are bacteria that thrive in acidic environments. The question asks for the lowest pH at which acidophiles can survive, and the correct answer is 1, indicating that acidophiles can survive at a pH as low as 1.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Halophiles are a type of bacteria that can exist in this type of condition.
- A.
Hypertonic
- B.
Hypotonic
- C.
Isotonic
Correct Answer
A. HypertonicExplanation
Halophiles are a type of bacteria that can exist in a hypertonic condition. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the surrounding environment. In this case, the bacteria can survive and thrive in environments with high salt concentrations, which would be considered hypertonic. They have adapted to these conditions by developing mechanisms to regulate their internal osmotic pressure and prevent dehydration.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The chemical need for ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite is found within
- A.
Hetertrophs
- B.
Autotrophs
- C.
Nitrogen fixers
Correct Answer
B. AutotrophsExplanation
Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using inorganic substances and energy from the sun or other sources. In the context of the question, autotrophs have the ability to convert ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite into usable forms of nitrogen for their growth and survival. This is because they possess specific enzymes and metabolic pathways that allow them to carry out nitrogen fixation and assimilation. Heterotrophs, on the other hand, rely on consuming organic matter for their energy and nutrient needs, while nitrogen fixers are a specific group of bacteria that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Therefore, autotrophs are the correct answer as they have the chemical need for ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The chemical need for atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is normally found within
- A.
Hetertrophs
- B.
Autotrophs
- C.
Nitrogen Fixers
Correct Answer
C. Nitrogen FixersExplanation
Nitrogen fixers are organisms that have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a usable form, such as ammonia or nitrates. This process, called nitrogen fixation, is essential for the nitrogen cycle and for providing nitrogen to other organisms in the ecosystem. While heterotrophs and autotrophs require nitrogen for their growth and metabolism, they cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen. Nitrogen fixers play a crucial role in making atmospheric nitrogen available to other organisms by converting it into a form that can be easily utilized.Rate this question:
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- 16.
This chemical requirement, phosphorous, is taken in with inorganic phosphate (PO4^(-3))
- A.
Hetertrophs
- B.
Autotrophs
- C.
Nitrogen Fixers
Correct Answer
B. AutotrophsExplanation
Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using energy from sunlight or inorganic molecules. They are capable of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, which allows them to convert inorganic compounds into organic compounds. In this case, autotrophs can take in inorganic phosphate (PO4^(-3)) and use it to fulfill their chemical requirement for phosphorous. Heterotrophs, on the other hand, cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for nutrients. Nitrogen fixers are organisms that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, but they are not directly related to the given chemical requirement.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The need for oxygen to live is an....
- A.
Obligate aerobe
- B.
Facultative anaerobe
- C.
Obligate anaerobe
- D.
Aerotolerant anaerobes
- E.
Microaerophiles
Correct Answer
A. Obligate aerobeExplanation
An obligate aerobe is an organism that requires oxygen to survive. This means that it cannot live in the absence of oxygen.Rate this question:
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- 18.
May use oxygen if present, but can exist without it (fermentation). This is an
- A.
Obligate aerobe
- B.
Facultative anaerobe
- C.
Obligate anaerobe
- D.
Aerotolerant anaerobes
- E.
Microaerophiles
Correct Answer
B. Facultative anaerobeExplanation
A facultative anaerobe can use oxygen if it is present, but it is also able to survive and grow without it through fermentation. This means that it has the ability to switch between aerobic and anaerobic respiration depending on the availability of oxygen.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Cannot tolerate oxygen. This is an example of
- A.
Obligate aerobe
- B.
Facultative anaerobe
- C.
Obligate anaerobe
- D.
Aerotolerant anaerobes
- E.
Microaerophiles
Correct Answer
C. Obligate anaerobeExplanation
An organism that cannot tolerate oxygen is called an obligate anaerobe. This means that it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and can only survive in an environment without oxygen. Obligate anaerobes obtain energy through anaerobic respiration or fermentation, which does not require oxygen.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Will not use oxygen, but it wont kill them. This is an...
- A.
Obligate aerobe
- B.
Facultative anaerobe
- C.
Obligate anaerobe
- D.
Aerotolerant anaerobes
- E.
Microaerophiles
Correct Answer
D. Aerotolerant anaerobesExplanation
Aerotolerant anaerobes are organisms that do not require oxygen for their metabolism, but they can tolerate its presence. They are able to survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments because they possess enzymes that can neutralize the toxic byproducts of oxygen metabolism. While they do not use oxygen for their own energy production, it does not harm or kill them. Therefore, the statement "Will not use oxygen, but it won't kill them" aligns with the characteristics of aerotolerant anaerobes.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Need oxygen, but only will grow under low oxygen concentrations (soil, water)
- A.
Obligate aerobe
- B.
Facultative anaerobe
- C.
Obligate anaerobe
- D.
Aerotolerant anaerobes
- E.
Microaerophiles
Correct Answer
E. MicroaerophilesExplanation
Microaerophiles are organisms that require oxygen for growth but can only tolerate low oxygen concentrations. They are unable to grow under normal atmospheric oxygen levels, as found in the air. Instead, they thrive in environments with reduced oxygen levels, such as soil or water. This makes them distinct from obligate aerobes, which require normal atmospheric oxygen levels, facultative anaerobes, which can grow with or without oxygen, obligate anaerobes, which cannot tolerate oxygen at all, and aerotolerant anaerobes, which can survive in the presence of oxygen but do not require it for growth.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that helps the conversion of which of these?
- A.
O2- > H2O2
- B.
H2O2 > H2O and O2
- C.
H2O2 > H2O
Correct Answer
A. O2- > H2O2Explanation
Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that facilitates the conversion of superoxide anion (O2-) to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This enzyme plays a crucial role in protecting cells from the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species, as hydrogen peroxide is less toxic compared to superoxide anion.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Catalase is an enzyme that aids in the conversion of which of these?
- A.
O2- > H2O2
- B.
H2O2 > H2O and O2
- C.
H2O2 > H2O
Correct Answer
B. H2O2 > H2O and O2Explanation
Catalase is an enzyme that aids in the conversion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). This means that catalase helps break down hydrogen peroxide into its component molecules, which are water and oxygen.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Peroxidase is an enzyme that aids in the conversion of which of these?
- A.
H2O2 > H2O and O2
- B.
O2- > H2O2
- C.
H2O2 > H2O
Correct Answer
C. H2O2 > H2OExplanation
Cell with these enzymes can detoxify the byproducts of oxygen metabolism. Cells that cannot tolerate oxygen lack these enzymesRate this question:
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- 25.
CULTURE MEDIA: Liquid
- A.
Culture is suspended in a liquid
- B.
Agar is poured into plates and solidifies, bacteria grow in colonies on the surface
Correct Answer
A. Culture is suspended in a liquidExplanation
The given explanation states that culture is suspended in a liquid. This means that the bacteria or microorganisms are present in a liquid medium for their growth and propagation. This method allows for easy mixing and distribution of nutrients and other necessary components for the bacteria to thrive. It also enables researchers to easily manipulate and transfer the culture for further experimentation or analysis.Rate this question:
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- 26.
CULTURE MEDIA: Solid
- A.
Culture is suspended in a liquid
- B.
Agar is poured into plates and solidifies, bacteria grow in colonies on the surface
Correct Answer
B. Agar is poured into plates and solidifies, bacteria grow in colonies on the surfaceExplanation
Agar is used as a solidifying agent in culture media. When agar is poured into plates and allowed to solidify, it provides a solid surface for bacteria to grow on. This allows the bacteria to form colonies on the surface of the agar, making it easier to observe and study them. Therefore, the correct answer is that agar is poured into plates and solidifies, and bacteria grow in colonies on the surface.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Can cold kill bacteria?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
B. NoExplanation
Cold temperatures do not directly kill bacteria. While cold temperatures can slow down the growth and reproduction of bacteria, they do not eliminate them completely. Bacteria can still survive and remain viable in cold environments, although their metabolic activity is significantly reduced. In order to effectively kill bacteria, higher temperatures or other methods such as disinfectants or antibiotics are required. Therefore, the correct answer is "No".Rate this question:
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- 28.
Bacteria divide by which of the following?
- A.
Sexual reproduction
- B.
Budding
- C.
Binary Fission
Correct Answer
C. Binary FissionExplanation
Bacteria divide by binary fission, which is a process where a single bacterium splits into two identical daughter cells. During binary fission, the bacterium replicates its DNA and then divides into two separate cells. This is the most common method of bacterial reproduction and allows for rapid population growth. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of genetic material from two parent cells, which is not a method of division used by bacteria. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction, but it is not the primary method used by bacteria.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Generation time is the time it takes for one cell to become
- A.
Two
- B.
Three
- C.
Four
Correct Answer
A. TwoExplanation
I.e. E.Coli under optimal circumstances, takes about 20 minutes do double. Generation time is 20 minutes.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Bacterial cells grow how?
- A.
Exponentially
- B.
Multiplication
- C.
Logarhithmically
Correct Answer
A. ExponentiallyExplanation
Bacterial cells grow exponentially, meaning that the number of cells doubles in a fixed time period. This is because each bacterial cell divides into two identical daughter cells, and these daughter cells can then divide again, resulting in a rapid increase in population size. This exponential growth pattern is characteristic of bacterial reproduction and allows for the rapid colonization of new environments.Rate this question:
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- 31.
This phase of growth has little growth, and high metabolic activity.
- A.
The lag phase
- B.
The log phase
- C.
The stationary phase
- D.
The death phase
Correct Answer
A. The lag phaseExplanation
The lag phase is the correct answer because it is the initial phase of growth where there is little to no increase in cell numbers, but there is high metabolic activity. During this phase, cells are adjusting to their new environment and preparing for active growth. This is characterized by increased protein synthesis and enzyme production, which leads to high metabolic activity.Rate this question:
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- 32.
This phase has exponential growth.
- A.
The lag phase
- B.
The log phase
- C.
The stationary phase
- D.
The death phase
Correct Answer
B. The log phaseExplanation
The log phase is the correct answer because it refers to a period of exponential growth in a population of cells or organisms. During this phase, the population size rapidly increases as cells divide and reproduce at a high rate. This phase is characterized by a constant doubling time, where the number of cells doubles with each generation. It is an important phase in various biological processes, such as bacterial growth and cell culture, where it is crucial to understand and optimize growth conditions.Rate this question:
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- 33.
In this phase the number of cells remains the same, because the rate of death equals the rate of growth.
- A.
The lag phase
- B.
The log phase
- C.
The stationary phase
- D.
The death phase
Correct Answer
C. The stationary phaseExplanation
During the stationary phase, the number of cells remains the same because the rate of death equals the rate of growth. This means that while some cells are dying, an equal number of cells are being produced, resulting in a stable population size. This phase occurs when the nutrients in the environment become limited, causing the growth rate to slow down and eventually reach equilibrium.Rate this question:
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- 34.
This phase has an exponential decline.
- A.
The lag phase
- B.
The log phase
- C.
The stationary phase
- D.
The death phase
Correct Answer
D. The death phaseExplanation
The death phase is the correct answer because it is the phase in the growth curve of microorganisms where there is a rapid decline in population due to the depletion of nutrients and accumulation of waste products. This decline is exponential, meaning that the population decreases at an increasingly rapid rate over time.Rate this question:
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- 35.
In order to determine the number of bacterial cells present we must serially dilute the sample, and plate the dilution until a countable plate is reached. Then, count the colonies and multiply by the dilution factor.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that in order to accurately determine the number of bacterial cells present, it is necessary to perform serial dilutions of the sample. This involves diluting the sample multiple times to obtain a countable number of bacterial colonies on a plate. By counting the colonies and multiplying by the dilution factor, the total number of bacterial cells can be calculated. This method ensures that the bacterial cells are evenly distributed and not overcrowded, allowing for an accurate estimation of their population size.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 09, 2011Quiz Created by
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