A Basic Trivia Quiz On Microbiology
Are you a student taking up Microbiology 130 and think that you are well prepared to take up exam three that is just around the corner? If you are not so sure about your answer, try and take up the basic trivia quiz on microbiology below and see which chapters you should put a little more study effort on. All the best!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of these is not a means of identifying viruses?
- A.
PCR
- B.
By their cytopathic effects
- C.
Ribotyping
- D.
Serological testing
Correct Answer
A. PCRExplanation
PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is a laboratory technique used to amplify a specific DNA sequence. It is not a means of identifying viruses because it does not directly detect the presence of a virus or its characteristics. PCR is used to replicate and amplify the viral DNA or RNA, which can then be further analyzed or tested using other methods for identification.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The lysogenic cycle is different from the lytic cycle in that the _____.
- A.
The phage DNA is incorporated into host cell DNA
- B.
The cell bursts during release
- C.
Phages contain RNA genomes
- D.
There is no latent period
Correct Answer
A. The phage DNA is incorporated into host cell DNAExplanation
In the lysogenic cycle, the phage DNA is incorporated into the host cell DNA. This means that the viral DNA becomes a part of the host cell's genetic material and is replicated along with it. This integration allows the viral DNA to be passed on to daughter cells during cell division. In contrast, the lytic cycle involves the cell bursting during release of new viral particles, phages typically contain DNA genomes (not RNA), and there is a latent period where the viral DNA is not actively replicating.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of these is a method of growing animal viruses in the laboratory?
- A.
In live animals
- B.
In embryonated eggs
- C.
In cell culture
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the options mentioned are methods of growing animal viruses in the laboratory. Live animals can be used as hosts for the viruses to replicate and grow. Embryonated eggs provide a controlled environment for virus growth and can be used to study the effects of the virus on the developing embryo. Cell culture involves growing animal cells in a laboratory setting, providing an environment for viruses to infect and replicate. Therefore, all of these methods are valid ways to grow animal viruses in the laboratory.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which bacteriophage life cycle is responsible for transduction?
- A.
Lytic cycle
- B.
Lysogenic cycle
Correct Answer
B. Lysogenic cycleExplanation
The lysogenic cycle is responsible for transduction. During this cycle, the bacteriophage inserts its genetic material into the host bacterium's DNA, becoming a prophage. The host bacterium then replicates the prophage along with its own DNA during cell division. As a result, the viral genetic material is passed on to daughter cells. Transduction occurs when the prophage excises itself from the bacterial DNA and carries some of the bacterial genes with it. These genes can then be transferred to another bacterium, leading to genetic recombination.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The spectrum of cells that a virus can infect is called the ____.
- A.
Infection target
- B.
Infection host
- C.
Host range
- D.
Host spectrum
Correct Answer
C. Host rangeExplanation
The term "host range" refers to the spectrum of cells that a virus can infect. It represents the variety of host organisms or cell types that a virus is capable of infecting and replicating within. The host range can vary greatly among different viruses, with some being highly specific and only infecting a limited range of hosts, while others have a broader host range and can infect a wide variety of organisms.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A bacterium that exhibits new properties or abilities due to the presence of a prophage is said to have undergone ______.
- A.
Phage conversion
- B.
Genetic conversion
- C.
Transduction
- D.
Transduction
Correct Answer
A. Phage conversionExplanation
Phage conversion refers to the process in which a bacterium acquires new properties or abilities as a result of the presence of a prophage, which is a viral genome integrated into the bacterial chromosome. This integration can lead to the transfer of genetic material from the prophage to the bacterium, resulting in the expression of new traits. Therefore, the correct answer is phage conversion.Rate this question:
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- 7.
An oncogene is _____.
- A.
A part of the viral genome
- B.
A part of the human genome
- C.
Involved in suppressing cancers
- D.
Important in viral infection
Correct Answer
B. A part of the human genomeExplanation
An oncogene is a gene that is part of the human genome and has the potential to cause cancer. These genes can become mutated or activated, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of tumors. Oncogenes play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of various types of cancer. They can be inherited or acquired through environmental factors, and their activation or mutation can disrupt normal cellular processes, leading to the development of cancerous cells.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of these is an infectious protein?
- A.
Virion
- B.
Viroid
- C.
Proteoid
- D.
Prion
Correct Answer
D. PrionExplanation
A prion is an infectious protein that can cause diseases in animals and humans. Unlike viruses or bacteria, prions do not contain genetic material and are composed solely of misfolded proteins. These misfolded prion proteins can convert normal proteins into the abnormal form, leading to the accumulation of these misfolded proteins in the brain and nervous system. This accumulation disrupts normal cellular processes and causes neurodegenerative diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease. Therefore, prions are considered infectious agents due to their ability to transmit disease through the misfolding of proteins.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Bacteriophages and animal viruses do not differ significantly in which of the following steps?
- A.
Adsorption
- B.
Penetration
- C.
Uncoating
- D.
Biosynthesis
Correct Answer
D. BiosynthesisExplanation
Bacteriophages and animal viruses do not differ significantly in the step of biosynthesis. Biosynthesis refers to the process of viral genetic material being replicated and viral proteins being synthesized within the host cell. Both bacteriophages and animal viruses undergo this step similarly, utilizing the host cell's machinery to produce new viral components.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which structure of prokaryotic cells are used for phylogeny?
- A.
Ribosomes
- B.
Plasma membranes
- C.
Flagella
- D.
Mitochondria
Correct Answer
A. RibosomesExplanation
Ribosomes are used for phylogeny in prokaryotic cells because they are essential for protein synthesis. Ribosomes are present in all prokaryotic cells and their structure and function are highly conserved across different species. By comparing the similarities and differences in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences, scientists can determine the evolutionary relationships and phylogeny of different prokaryotic organisms. Therefore, ribosomes serve as important molecular markers for studying the evolutionary history of prokaryotes.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Viruses that can cause cancers are called ______.
- A.
Cancer viruses
- B.
Transforming viruses
- C.
DNA viruses
- D.
Oncogenic viruses
Correct Answer
D. Oncogenic virusesExplanation
Oncogenic viruses are viruses that have the ability to cause cancer. These viruses can infect cells and alter their genetic material, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of tumors. Examples of oncogenic viruses include human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). These viruses are capable of transforming normal cells into cancer cells and are therefore referred to as oncogenic viruses.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A virion is _____.
- A.
A complete, infectious virus particle
- B.
A naked, infectious piece of RNA
- C.
A capsid without a nucleic acid
- D.
A provirus
Correct Answer
A. A complete, infectious virus particleExplanation
A virion refers to a complete, infectious virus particle. It includes the genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called the capsid. The virion is capable of infecting a host cell and replicating itself, leading to the spread of the virus.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Viruses have a protein coat called a _____.
- A.
Capsid
- B.
Capsomere
- C.
Virion
- D.
Prion
Correct Answer
A. CapsidExplanation
A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid. The capsid protects the genetic material and helps the virus to attach to and infect host cells. Therefore, the correct answer is "capsid."Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of these are naked pieces of infectious RNA?
- A.
Virions
- B.
Prions
- C.
Viroids
- D.
Phages
Correct Answer
C. ViroidsExplanation
Viroids are naked pieces of infectious RNA. Unlike viruses, they do not have a protein coat or a lipid envelope. Viroids are smaller than viruses and are composed solely of a single-stranded RNA molecule. They are known to infect plants and cause various diseases, interfering with the normal functioning of the host plant's cells. Prions, on the other hand, are infectious proteins and not RNA-based. Virions are complete virus particles, which can contain DNA or RNA, while phages are viruses that infect bacteria.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of these would an enveloped virus use for attachment?
- A.
Capsid
- B.
Tail fibers
- C.
Spikes
- D.
Flagella
Correct Answer
C. SpikesExplanation
An enveloped virus would use spikes for attachment. Spikes are protein structures that protrude from the viral envelope and help the virus attach to host cells. These spikes bind to specific receptors on the surface of the host cell, allowing the virus to enter and infect the cell. The capsid is the protein coat that protects the virus's genetic material, while tail fibers and flagella are typically found in non-enveloped viruses and serve different functions such as host recognition or movement.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Most viruses have a broad host range.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Most viruses do not have a broad host range. Viruses are highly specific and can only infect certain types of cells or organisms. They often have specific receptors on their surface that can only bind to certain molecules on the host cell's surface. This specificity is why different viruses cause different diseases in different organisms. So, the statement that most viruses have a broad host range is false.Rate this question:
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- 17.
When a virus enters a cell it must release its nucleic acid into the host cell. This is called ____.
- A.
Nucleic acid release
- B.
Maturation
- C.
Biosynthesis
- D.
Uncoating
Correct Answer
D. UncoatingExplanation
When a virus enters a cell, it must shed its protein coat and release its nucleic acid into the host cell in order to initiate infection and replication. This process is known as uncoating. During uncoating, the virus disassembles and exposes its genetic material, allowing it to take control of the host cell's machinery and replicate itself.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Some viruses, such as Human Herpes Virus 1, infect a cell without causing symptoms; these are called _____.
- A.
Latent viruses
- B.
Lytic viruses
- C.
Lysogenic viruses
- D.
Persistent viruses
Correct Answer
A. Latent virusesExplanation
Latent viruses are those that infect a cell without causing symptoms. These viruses remain dormant within the host cell and can reactivate later to cause symptoms. This is in contrast to lytic viruses, which cause immediate cell death and symptoms upon infection. Lysogenic viruses integrate their genetic material into the host cell's DNA and can remain dormant for long periods before becoming lytic. Persistent viruses continuously produce low levels of viral particles without causing immediate symptoms. Therefore, the correct answer is latent viruses.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following is not based on nucleic-acid hybridization?
- A.
DNA chip
- B.
FISH
- C.
Western blotting
- D.
Southern blotting
Correct Answer
C. Western blottingExplanation
Western blotting is a technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample, not nucleic acids. It involves separating proteins by gel electrophoresis, transferring them to a membrane, and then using specific antibodies to detect the target protein. Nucleic-acid hybridization techniques, such as DNA chip, FISH, and Southern blotting, are used to detect and analyze specific nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, through the process of hybridization.Rate this question:
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