Master Microbiology and Biochemistry: Essential Concepts for Bioprocess Engineering

Question 1

Which of the following characteristics is unique to eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Membrane-bound nucleus and organelles

Answer

Circular DNA and absence of membrane-bound organelles

Answer

Cell membrane composed of peptidoglycan

Question 2

Which metabolic pathway initiates the breakdown of glucose?

Accepted Answer

Glycolysis

Answer

Krebs cycle

Answer

Oxidative phosphorylation

Question 3

Which enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds?

Accepted Answer

Protease

Answer

Lipase

Answer

Amylase

Answer

Nuclease

Question 4

The primary genetic material in microorganisms is:

Accepted Answer

DNA

Answer

RNA

Answer

Protein

Answer

Carbohydrate

Question 5

The process by which bacteria reproduce is known as:

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Answer

Conjugation

Answer

Transformation

Answer

Transduction

Question 6

The energy-carrying molecule in cells is:

Accepted Answer

ATP

Answer

NADH

Answer

FADH2

Answer

Glucose

Question 7

Diffusion is a type of:

Accepted Answer

Passive transport across a cell membrane

Answer

Active transport across a cell membrane

Answer

Facilitated diffusion across a cell membrane

Answer

Endocytosis

Question 8

Define allosteric regulation and describe its role in controlling metabolic pathways.

Accepted Answer

Allosteric regulation involves the binding of molecules (effectors) to specific sites on enzymes, altering their activity.

Answer

Allosteric regulation primarily occurs at the transcriptional level, affecting gene expression.

Answer

Allosteric regulation is not a significant mechanism in regulating metabolic pathways.

Question 9

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Microscopic size

Answer

Complex cellular organization

Answer

Inability to reproduce rapidly

Answer

Limited distribution in the environment

Question 10

Enzymes primarily function as:

Accepted Answer

Catalysts, accelerating biochemical reactions

Answer

Inhibitors, slowing down biochemical reactions

Answer

Receptors, binding to specific molecules

Answer

Transporters, moving molecules across membranes

Question 11

Which molecule plays a central role in energy metabolism, serving as the primary energy currency in cells?

Accepted Answer

ATP, a nucleotide that provides energy for cellular processes

Answer

Glucose, a carbohydrate used for energy storage

Answer

NADH, a coenzyme involved in energy production

Answer

Acetyl-CoA, a molecule involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates

Question 12

The process by which microorganisms convert glucose into pyruvate without using oxygen is known as:

Accepted Answer

Glycolysis, a key step in anaerobic energy production

Answer

Gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources

Answer

Citric acid cycle, a series of reactions in aerobic energy production

Answer

Electron transport chain, the final stage of aerobic energy production

Question 13

Which of the following organelles is responsible for synthesizing proteins in cells?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes, the protein synthesis machinery

Answer

Mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles

Answer

Chloroplasts, the light-capturing organelles in plants

Answer

Lysosomes, the waste disposal organelles

Question 14

The process by which microorganisms use light energy to produce food is called:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis, the conversion of light energy into chemical energy

Answer

Chemosynthesis, the conversion of chemical energy into light energy

Answer

Respiration, the breakdown of food to release energy

Answer

Fermentation, the breakdown of food without oxygen

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a Gram-negative bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli, a common Gram-negative bacterium

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium

Answer

Streptococcus pneumoniae, another Gram-positive bacterium

Answer

Bacillus subtilis, a Gram-positive bacterium that forms spores

Question 16

The genetic information of microorganisms is primarily stored in:

Accepted Answer

DNA, the molecule of heredity

Answer

RNA, a molecule involved in protein synthesis

Answer

Protein, the building blocks of cells

Answer

Lipids, the molecules that form cell membranes

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a type of microorganism?

Accepted Answer

Mammals

Answer

Bacteria

Answer

Fungi

Answer

Protozoa

Question 18

Which enzyme class catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds?

Accepted Answer

Proteases

Answer

Ligases

Answer

Isomerases

Answer

Transferases

Question 19

The citric acid cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the:

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Answer

Cytoplasm

Answer

Chloroplasts

Answer

Nucleus

Question 20

Which of the following is the primary energy currency of cells?

Accepted Answer

ATP

Answer

Glucose

Answer

NADH

Answer

FADH2

Question 21

The process by which microorganisms reproduce asexually is called:

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Answer

Budding

Answer

Conidia formation

Answer

Conjugation

Question 22

Which of the following factors does NOT affect microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

Gravitational force

Answer

Temperature

Answer

pH

Answer

Oxygen availability

Question 23

The Gram staining technique differentiates bacteria based on their:

Accepted Answer

Cell wall structure

Answer

Cell shape

Answer

Metabolic pathways

Answer

Growth requirements

Question 24

The process by which microorganisms convert organic matter into simpler substances is called:

Accepted Answer

Biodegradation

Answer

Metabolism

Answer

Fermentation

Answer

Respiration

Question 25

Which of the following is an example of a microorganism used in industrial applications?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis