SAT II Biology E : Microbiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Biology E

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Microbiology

An experiment was conducted in which motile bacteria were grown in petri dishes containing different concentrations of a collection of nutrients called yeast extract tryptone sea salts (YTSS). The bacterial growth of each dish was measured and the results are displayed in the given bar graph.

Graph

Which of the following is the most optimal concentration of YTSS for bacterial growth?

Possible Answers:

 YTSS

 YTSS

 YTSS

 YTSS

 YTSS

Correct answer:

 YTSS

Explanation:

This question examines your ability to read a graph correctly. The optimal concentration of YTSS for bacterial growth is the concentration of YTSS in the dish that allowed for the most bacterial growth in 24 hours. Looking across the vertical bars, which represent bacterial growth in millimeters, the dish that had the highest amount of bacterial growth was the dish containing a concentration of  YTSS with ~54mm. And so the optimal concentration of YTSS for bacterial growth must be  YTSS.

Example Question #121 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

Which of the following structures is not found in prokaryotic cells?

Possible Answers:

Cell wall

Ribosome

Nucleus

Plasma membrane

Plasmid

Correct answer:

Nucleus

Explanation:

The correct answer is the "nucleus." Prokaryotes generally do not have membrane-enclosed organelles, and they do not have a nucleus. Plasmids are found in all prokaryotes, as well as in fungi. The other structures are found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Example Question #131 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

Where in prokaryotes do the reactions of the electron transport chain take place?

Possible Answers:

Periplasmic space

Inner mitochondrial membrane

Inner cytoplasmic membrane

Mitochondrial matrix

Cytosol

Correct answer:

Inner cytoplasmic membrane

Explanation:

The correct answer is the inner cytoplasmic membrane. Prokaryotes do not have mitochondria or any other membrane-enclosed organelles, but the electron transport chain must be performed in a membrane in order to create a concentration gradient of protons; therefore, prokaryotes perform the redox reactions of the electron transport chain in the inner cytoplasmic membrane in between the cytosol and the periplasmic space.

Example Question #131 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

Which of the following is true about viruses?

Possible Answers:

Viruses consist of a nucleus, cell membrane, and several mitochondria in order to make their own energy.

Viruses reproduce via sexual reproduction.

Viruses will immediately infect any living thing, and are unable to be removed.

Viruses are considered to be non-living organisms.

Correct answer:

Viruses are considered to be non-living organisms.

Explanation:

Viruses are considered non-living organisms because they have no organelles or other cellular machinery, they cannot reproduce without a host cell, and they have no metabolic activity. 

Example Question #131 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

Viruses can do which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Reproduce outside of a cell

Respond to outside stimuli

Produce proteins

Carry DNA

Metabolize chemical compounds

Correct answer:

Carry DNA

Explanation:

All viruses can and must carry either DNA or RNA (but not both). However, viruses cannot reproduce on their own, and must infect a host cell in order to manufacture more copies of itself. They cannot respond to outside stimulus as they do not have any functional parts, such as mitochondria, ribosomes, or a nucleus. For the same reason, viruses also cannot produce proteins or metabolize chemical compounds. 

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