Other Microbiology Concepts - MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Card 1 of 56
Which of the following types of microscopy is best for the visualization of living organisms?
Which of the following types of microscopy is best for the visualization of living organisms?
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A phase contrast microscope is best for the visualization of living things because the other types of microscopy require methods of mounting onto a slide that can kill the organisms.
A phase contrast microscope is best for the visualization of living things because the other types of microscopy require methods of mounting onto a slide that can kill the organisms.
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The cell is the most basic functional unit of life. Everything that we consider to be living is made up of cells, and while there are different kinds of cells, they all have some essential features that link them all together under the category of "life." One of the most important parts of a cell is the membrane that surrounds it, seperating it from the rest of the environment.
While organisms from the three main domains live in incredibly different environments, they all possess similar cell membranes. This phospholipid bilayer protects the cell, giving it a way to allow certain things in while keeping other things out. Though organisms from different domains have different kinds of fatty linkages in their membranes, they all serve this essential purpose.
Membranes contain all kinds of essential proteins and signal molecules that allow the inside of the cell to respond to the outside of the cell. In a multicellular eukaryote, this ability can be used to allow cells to communicate. In a bacterial colony, an extracellular signal could be used to signal other bacteria. Signals cascade through a series of molecular pathways that go from the outside of the cell all the way to the nucleus and back out again, giving the cell control on a genetic level. This allows cellular responses to be quick and effective, and it also allows the cell to control how long it stays in that state.
What characteristic of a cell could a scientist use to determine what domain to which an unknown cell belonged?
The cell is the most basic functional unit of life. Everything that we consider to be living is made up of cells, and while there are different kinds of cells, they all have some essential features that link them all together under the category of "life." One of the most important parts of a cell is the membrane that surrounds it, seperating it from the rest of the environment.
While organisms from the three main domains live in incredibly different environments, they all possess similar cell membranes. This phospholipid bilayer protects the cell, giving it a way to allow certain things in while keeping other things out. Though organisms from different domains have different kinds of fatty linkages in their membranes, they all serve this essential purpose.
Membranes contain all kinds of essential proteins and signal molecules that allow the inside of the cell to respond to the outside of the cell. In a multicellular eukaryote, this ability can be used to allow cells to communicate. In a bacterial colony, an extracellular signal could be used to signal other bacteria. Signals cascade through a series of molecular pathways that go from the outside of the cell all the way to the nucleus and back out again, giving the cell control on a genetic level. This allows cellular responses to be quick and effective, and it also allows the cell to control how long it stays in that state.
What characteristic of a cell could a scientist use to determine what domain to which an unknown cell belonged?
Tap to reveal answer
The passage tells us that the type of fatty linkages in cell membranes can tell us what domain an organism belongs to. For example, bacteria have ester linkages while archea have ether linkages. The other answers are wrong for a few reasons. All cells have DNA as their primary genetic material. Viruses have RNA sometimes, but they aren't considered alive. Both bacteria and plants have cell walls, so that won't tell us for sure what the domain is. As stated in the passage, all cells have cellular membranes. While the environment can tell us a bit about the cell, the passage doesn't say it is a sure way to know, so we can't make an assumption based on that.
The passage tells us that the type of fatty linkages in cell membranes can tell us what domain an organism belongs to. For example, bacteria have ester linkages while archea have ether linkages. The other answers are wrong for a few reasons. All cells have DNA as their primary genetic material. Viruses have RNA sometimes, but they aren't considered alive. Both bacteria and plants have cell walls, so that won't tell us for sure what the domain is. As stated in the passage, all cells have cellular membranes. While the environment can tell us a bit about the cell, the passage doesn't say it is a sure way to know, so we can't make an assumption based on that.
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Which of the following types of microscopy is best for the visualization of living organisms?
Which of the following types of microscopy is best for the visualization of living organisms?
Tap to reveal answer
A phase contrast microscope is best for the visualization of living things because the other types of microscopy require methods of mounting onto a slide that can kill the organisms.
A phase contrast microscope is best for the visualization of living things because the other types of microscopy require methods of mounting onto a slide that can kill the organisms.
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All of the following are examples of asexual reproduction, except .
All of the following are examples of asexual reproduction, except .
Tap to reveal answer
Organisms have the ability to reproduce in various ways outside of sexual reproduction. Mechanisms of asexual reproduction include binary fission, budding, regeneration, and parthenogenesis. Binary fission refers to mitotic division, leading to independent daughter offspring. Budding refers to the growth of a viable offspring from the main organism, before becoming mature and detaching. Regeneration refers to the ability to reproduce from a severed appendage. Parthenogenesis refers to development of an embryo without being fertilized.
Induction is involved in cell-cell communication during embryogenesis, causing one group of cells to change an adjacent group's behavior. It is not a method of asexual reproduction, and is therefore the correct answer.
Organisms have the ability to reproduce in various ways outside of sexual reproduction. Mechanisms of asexual reproduction include binary fission, budding, regeneration, and parthenogenesis. Binary fission refers to mitotic division, leading to independent daughter offspring. Budding refers to the growth of a viable offspring from the main organism, before becoming mature and detaching. Regeneration refers to the ability to reproduce from a severed appendage. Parthenogenesis refers to development of an embryo without being fertilized.
Induction is involved in cell-cell communication during embryogenesis, causing one group of cells to change an adjacent group's behavior. It is not a method of asexual reproduction, and is therefore the correct answer.
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Which of the following can be considered extra-genomic DNA in eukaryotic cells?
Which of the following can be considered extra-genomic DNA in eukaryotic cells?
Tap to reveal answer
Extra-genomic DNA is DNA that does not originate from the nuclear genome. DNA from mitochondria is passed down from generation to generation from the mother to the offspring. It is considered extra-genomic because the genome for mitochondria comes from the actual cell constituent rather than the nucleus of the cell.
Other examples of extra-genomic DNA are plasmids and viral genomes that may become incorporated during the lysogenic viral cycle.
Any chromosomal DNA is considered genomic, and is contained in the organismal genome.
Extra-genomic DNA is DNA that does not originate from the nuclear genome. DNA from mitochondria is passed down from generation to generation from the mother to the offspring. It is considered extra-genomic because the genome for mitochondria comes from the actual cell constituent rather than the nucleus of the cell.
Other examples of extra-genomic DNA are plasmids and viral genomes that may become incorporated during the lysogenic viral cycle.
Any chromosomal DNA is considered genomic, and is contained in the organismal genome.
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The following processes occur both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes except for which answer choice?
The following processes occur both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes except for which answer choice?
Tap to reveal answer
Both bacteria and eukaryotic cells regulate their cytosolic osmoles in order to both maintain the integrity of their cell membranes and to maintain proper functioning of cytosolic proteins. Although bacteria have the added protection of a cell wall, they still rely on ion gradients to regulate the uptake and release of nutrients. Both regulate transcription using transcription factors and undergo aerobic respiration. Bacteria do NOT process their mRNA. Rather, it can be transcribed and translated simultaneously.
Both bacteria and eukaryotic cells regulate their cytosolic osmoles in order to both maintain the integrity of their cell membranes and to maintain proper functioning of cytosolic proteins. Although bacteria have the added protection of a cell wall, they still rely on ion gradients to regulate the uptake and release of nutrients. Both regulate transcription using transcription factors and undergo aerobic respiration. Bacteria do NOT process their mRNA. Rather, it can be transcribed and translated simultaneously.
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What should a scientist look for if he is trying to determine whether a certain organism is a bacteria rather than a virus?
What should a scientist look for if he is trying to determine whether a certain organism is a bacteria rather than a virus?
Tap to reveal answer
Bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, whereas viruses cannot.
Both bacteria and viruses have genetic material, can cause disease, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Neither of them has a nucleus.
Bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, whereas viruses cannot.
Both bacteria and viruses have genetic material, can cause disease, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Neither of them has a nucleus.
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Which of the following leukocytes is not a participant in the innate immune response?
Which of the following leukocytes is not a participant in the innate immune response?
Tap to reveal answer
T-lymphocytes are members of the adaptive immune system, and are only activated after the innate immune system fails to eliminate the antigen. The adaptive immune system is a more specified response to the antigen, requiring previous exposure to the foreign pathogen and involving the secretion of antibodies. In contrast, the innate immune response does not require previous exposure or involve antibody release.
T-lymphocytes are members of the adaptive immune system, and are only activated after the innate immune system fails to eliminate the antigen. The adaptive immune system is a more specified response to the antigen, requiring previous exposure to the foreign pathogen and involving the secretion of antibodies. In contrast, the innate immune response does not require previous exposure or involve antibody release.
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What should a scientist look for if he is trying to determine whether a certain organism is a bacteria rather than a virus?
What should a scientist look for if he is trying to determine whether a certain organism is a bacteria rather than a virus?
Tap to reveal answer
Bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, whereas viruses cannot.
Both bacteria and viruses have genetic material, can cause disease, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Neither of them has a nucleus.
Bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, whereas viruses cannot.
Both bacteria and viruses have genetic material, can cause disease, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Neither of them has a nucleus.
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What should a scientist look for if he is trying to determine whether a certain organism is a bacteria rather than a virus?
What should a scientist look for if he is trying to determine whether a certain organism is a bacteria rather than a virus?
Tap to reveal answer
Bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, whereas viruses cannot.
Both bacteria and viruses have genetic material, can cause disease, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Neither of them has a nucleus.
Bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, whereas viruses cannot.
Both bacteria and viruses have genetic material, can cause disease, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Neither of them has a nucleus.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The cell is the most basic functional unit of life. Everything that we consider to be living is made up of cells, and while there are different kinds of cells, they all have some essential features that link them all together under the category of "life." One of the most important parts of a cell is the membrane that surrounds it, seperating it from the rest of the environment.
While organisms from the three main domains live in incredibly different environments, they all possess similar cell membranes. This phospholipid bilayer protects the cell, giving it a way to allow certain things in while keeping other things out. Though organisms from different domains have different kinds of fatty linkages in their membranes, they all serve this essential purpose.
Membranes contain all kinds of essential proteins and signal molecules that allow the inside of the cell to respond to the outside of the cell. In a multicellular eukaryote, this ability can be used to allow cells to communicate. In a bacterial colony, an extracellular signal could be used to signal other bacteria. Signals cascade through a series of molecular pathways that go from the outside of the cell all the way to the nucleus and back out again, giving the cell control on a genetic level. This allows cellular responses to be quick and effective, and it also allows the cell to control how long it stays in that state.
What characteristic of a cell could a scientist use to determine what domain to which an unknown cell belonged?
The cell is the most basic functional unit of life. Everything that we consider to be living is made up of cells, and while there are different kinds of cells, they all have some essential features that link them all together under the category of "life." One of the most important parts of a cell is the membrane that surrounds it, seperating it from the rest of the environment.
While organisms from the three main domains live in incredibly different environments, they all possess similar cell membranes. This phospholipid bilayer protects the cell, giving it a way to allow certain things in while keeping other things out. Though organisms from different domains have different kinds of fatty linkages in their membranes, they all serve this essential purpose.
Membranes contain all kinds of essential proteins and signal molecules that allow the inside of the cell to respond to the outside of the cell. In a multicellular eukaryote, this ability can be used to allow cells to communicate. In a bacterial colony, an extracellular signal could be used to signal other bacteria. Signals cascade through a series of molecular pathways that go from the outside of the cell all the way to the nucleus and back out again, giving the cell control on a genetic level. This allows cellular responses to be quick and effective, and it also allows the cell to control how long it stays in that state.
What characteristic of a cell could a scientist use to determine what domain to which an unknown cell belonged?
Tap to reveal answer
The passage tells us that the type of fatty linkages in cell membranes can tell us what domain an organism belongs to. For example, bacteria have ester linkages while archea have ether linkages. The other answers are wrong for a few reasons. All cells have DNA as their primary genetic material. Viruses have RNA sometimes, but they aren't considered alive. Both bacteria and plants have cell walls, so that won't tell us for sure what the domain is. As stated in the passage, all cells have cellular membranes. While the environment can tell us a bit about the cell, the passage doesn't say it is a sure way to know, so we can't make an assumption based on that.
The passage tells us that the type of fatty linkages in cell membranes can tell us what domain an organism belongs to. For example, bacteria have ester linkages while archea have ether linkages. The other answers are wrong for a few reasons. All cells have DNA as their primary genetic material. Viruses have RNA sometimes, but they aren't considered alive. Both bacteria and plants have cell walls, so that won't tell us for sure what the domain is. As stated in the passage, all cells have cellular membranes. While the environment can tell us a bit about the cell, the passage doesn't say it is a sure way to know, so we can't make an assumption based on that.
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All of the following are examples of asexual reproduction, except .
All of the following are examples of asexual reproduction, except .
Tap to reveal answer
Organisms have the ability to reproduce in various ways outside of sexual reproduction. Mechanisms of asexual reproduction include binary fission, budding, regeneration, and parthenogenesis. Binary fission refers to mitotic division, leading to independent daughter offspring. Budding refers to the growth of a viable offspring from the main organism, before becoming mature and detaching. Regeneration refers to the ability to reproduce from a severed appendage. Parthenogenesis refers to development of an embryo without being fertilized.
Induction is involved in cell-cell communication during embryogenesis, causing one group of cells to change an adjacent group's behavior. It is not a method of asexual reproduction, and is therefore the correct answer.
Organisms have the ability to reproduce in various ways outside of sexual reproduction. Mechanisms of asexual reproduction include binary fission, budding, regeneration, and parthenogenesis. Binary fission refers to mitotic division, leading to independent daughter offspring. Budding refers to the growth of a viable offspring from the main organism, before becoming mature and detaching. Regeneration refers to the ability to reproduce from a severed appendage. Parthenogenesis refers to development of an embryo without being fertilized.
Induction is involved in cell-cell communication during embryogenesis, causing one group of cells to change an adjacent group's behavior. It is not a method of asexual reproduction, and is therefore the correct answer.
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Which of the following can be considered extra-genomic DNA in eukaryotic cells?
Which of the following can be considered extra-genomic DNA in eukaryotic cells?
Tap to reveal answer
Extra-genomic DNA is DNA that does not originate from the nuclear genome. DNA from mitochondria is passed down from generation to generation from the mother to the offspring. It is considered extra-genomic because the genome for mitochondria comes from the actual cell constituent rather than the nucleus of the cell.
Other examples of extra-genomic DNA are plasmids and viral genomes that may become incorporated during the lysogenic viral cycle.
Any chromosomal DNA is considered genomic, and is contained in the organismal genome.
Extra-genomic DNA is DNA that does not originate from the nuclear genome. DNA from mitochondria is passed down from generation to generation from the mother to the offspring. It is considered extra-genomic because the genome for mitochondria comes from the actual cell constituent rather than the nucleus of the cell.
Other examples of extra-genomic DNA are plasmids and viral genomes that may become incorporated during the lysogenic viral cycle.
Any chromosomal DNA is considered genomic, and is contained in the organismal genome.
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The following processes occur both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes except for which answer choice?
The following processes occur both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes except for which answer choice?
Tap to reveal answer
Both bacteria and eukaryotic cells regulate their cytosolic osmoles in order to both maintain the integrity of their cell membranes and to maintain proper functioning of cytosolic proteins. Although bacteria have the added protection of a cell wall, they still rely on ion gradients to regulate the uptake and release of nutrients. Both regulate transcription using transcription factors and undergo aerobic respiration. Bacteria do NOT process their mRNA. Rather, it can be transcribed and translated simultaneously.
Both bacteria and eukaryotic cells regulate their cytosolic osmoles in order to both maintain the integrity of their cell membranes and to maintain proper functioning of cytosolic proteins. Although bacteria have the added protection of a cell wall, they still rely on ion gradients to regulate the uptake and release of nutrients. Both regulate transcription using transcription factors and undergo aerobic respiration. Bacteria do NOT process their mRNA. Rather, it can be transcribed and translated simultaneously.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What should a scientist look for if he is trying to determine whether a certain organism is a bacteria rather than a virus?
What should a scientist look for if he is trying to determine whether a certain organism is a bacteria rather than a virus?
Tap to reveal answer
Bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, whereas viruses cannot.
Both bacteria and viruses have genetic material, can cause disease, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Neither of them has a nucleus.
Bacteria can be killed by antibiotics, whereas viruses cannot.
Both bacteria and viruses have genetic material, can cause disease, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Neither of them has a nucleus.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which of the following leukocytes is not a participant in the innate immune response?
Which of the following leukocytes is not a participant in the innate immune response?
Tap to reveal answer
T-lymphocytes are members of the adaptive immune system, and are only activated after the innate immune system fails to eliminate the antigen. The adaptive immune system is a more specified response to the antigen, requiring previous exposure to the foreign pathogen and involving the secretion of antibodies. In contrast, the innate immune response does not require previous exposure or involve antibody release.
T-lymphocytes are members of the adaptive immune system, and are only activated after the innate immune system fails to eliminate the antigen. The adaptive immune system is a more specified response to the antigen, requiring previous exposure to the foreign pathogen and involving the secretion of antibodies. In contrast, the innate immune response does not require previous exposure or involve antibody release.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The cell is the most basic functional unit of life. Everything that we consider to be living is made up of cells, and while there are different kinds of cells, they all have some essential features that link them all together under the category of "life." One of the most important parts of a cell is the membrane that surrounds it, seperating it from the rest of the environment.
While organisms from the three main domains live in incredibly different environments, they all possess similar cell membranes. This phospholipid bilayer protects the cell, giving it a way to allow certain things in while keeping other things out. Though organisms from different domains have different kinds of fatty linkages in their membranes, they all serve this essential purpose.
Membranes contain all kinds of essential proteins and signal molecules that allow the inside of the cell to respond to the outside of the cell. In a multicellular eukaryote, this ability can be used to allow cells to communicate. In a bacterial colony, an extracellular signal could be used to signal other bacteria. Signals cascade through a series of molecular pathways that go from the outside of the cell all the way to the nucleus and back out again, giving the cell control on a genetic level. This allows cellular responses to be quick and effective, and it also allows the cell to control how long it stays in that state.
What characteristic of a cell could a scientist use to determine what domain to which an unknown cell belonged?
The cell is the most basic functional unit of life. Everything that we consider to be living is made up of cells, and while there are different kinds of cells, they all have some essential features that link them all together under the category of "life." One of the most important parts of a cell is the membrane that surrounds it, seperating it from the rest of the environment.
While organisms from the three main domains live in incredibly different environments, they all possess similar cell membranes. This phospholipid bilayer protects the cell, giving it a way to allow certain things in while keeping other things out. Though organisms from different domains have different kinds of fatty linkages in their membranes, they all serve this essential purpose.
Membranes contain all kinds of essential proteins and signal molecules that allow the inside of the cell to respond to the outside of the cell. In a multicellular eukaryote, this ability can be used to allow cells to communicate. In a bacterial colony, an extracellular signal could be used to signal other bacteria. Signals cascade through a series of molecular pathways that go from the outside of the cell all the way to the nucleus and back out again, giving the cell control on a genetic level. This allows cellular responses to be quick and effective, and it also allows the cell to control how long it stays in that state.
What characteristic of a cell could a scientist use to determine what domain to which an unknown cell belonged?
Tap to reveal answer
The passage tells us that the type of fatty linkages in cell membranes can tell us what domain an organism belongs to. For example, bacteria have ester linkages while archea have ether linkages. The other answers are wrong for a few reasons. All cells have DNA as their primary genetic material. Viruses have RNA sometimes, but they aren't considered alive. Both bacteria and plants have cell walls, so that won't tell us for sure what the domain is. As stated in the passage, all cells have cellular membranes. While the environment can tell us a bit about the cell, the passage doesn't say it is a sure way to know, so we can't make an assumption based on that.
The passage tells us that the type of fatty linkages in cell membranes can tell us what domain an organism belongs to. For example, bacteria have ester linkages while archea have ether linkages. The other answers are wrong for a few reasons. All cells have DNA as their primary genetic material. Viruses have RNA sometimes, but they aren't considered alive. Both bacteria and plants have cell walls, so that won't tell us for sure what the domain is. As stated in the passage, all cells have cellular membranes. While the environment can tell us a bit about the cell, the passage doesn't say it is a sure way to know, so we can't make an assumption based on that.
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Which of the following types of microscopy is best for the visualization of living organisms?
Which of the following types of microscopy is best for the visualization of living organisms?
Tap to reveal answer
A phase contrast microscope is best for the visualization of living things because the other types of microscopy require methods of mounting onto a slide that can kill the organisms.
A phase contrast microscope is best for the visualization of living things because the other types of microscopy require methods of mounting onto a slide that can kill the organisms.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
All of the following are examples of asexual reproduction, except .
All of the following are examples of asexual reproduction, except .
Tap to reveal answer
Organisms have the ability to reproduce in various ways outside of sexual reproduction. Mechanisms of asexual reproduction include binary fission, budding, regeneration, and parthenogenesis. Binary fission refers to mitotic division, leading to independent daughter offspring. Budding refers to the growth of a viable offspring from the main organism, before becoming mature and detaching. Regeneration refers to the ability to reproduce from a severed appendage. Parthenogenesis refers to development of an embryo without being fertilized.
Induction is involved in cell-cell communication during embryogenesis, causing one group of cells to change an adjacent group's behavior. It is not a method of asexual reproduction, and is therefore the correct answer.
Organisms have the ability to reproduce in various ways outside of sexual reproduction. Mechanisms of asexual reproduction include binary fission, budding, regeneration, and parthenogenesis. Binary fission refers to mitotic division, leading to independent daughter offspring. Budding refers to the growth of a viable offspring from the main organism, before becoming mature and detaching. Regeneration refers to the ability to reproduce from a severed appendage. Parthenogenesis refers to development of an embryo without being fertilized.
Induction is involved in cell-cell communication during embryogenesis, causing one group of cells to change an adjacent group's behavior. It is not a method of asexual reproduction, and is therefore the correct answer.
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Which of the following can be considered extra-genomic DNA in eukaryotic cells?
Which of the following can be considered extra-genomic DNA in eukaryotic cells?
Tap to reveal answer
Extra-genomic DNA is DNA that does not originate from the nuclear genome. DNA from mitochondria is passed down from generation to generation from the mother to the offspring. It is considered extra-genomic because the genome for mitochondria comes from the actual cell constituent rather than the nucleus of the cell.
Other examples of extra-genomic DNA are plasmids and viral genomes that may become incorporated during the lysogenic viral cycle.
Any chromosomal DNA is considered genomic, and is contained in the organismal genome.
Extra-genomic DNA is DNA that does not originate from the nuclear genome. DNA from mitochondria is passed down from generation to generation from the mother to the offspring. It is considered extra-genomic because the genome for mitochondria comes from the actual cell constituent rather than the nucleus of the cell.
Other examples of extra-genomic DNA are plasmids and viral genomes that may become incorporated during the lysogenic viral cycle.
Any chromosomal DNA is considered genomic, and is contained in the organismal genome.
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