CLEP Biology Microbiology and Immunology Flashcards
6 cards from real CLEP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CLEP Biology Microbiology and Immunology flashcards as text
Which bacteria lack a cell wall, making them naturally resistant to penicillin?
Answer: Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma are bacteria that lack a cell wall, making them resistant to antibiotics like penicillin that target cell wall synthesis.
What is the genetic material found in a retrovirus like HIV?
Answer: Single-stranded RNA
Retroviruses contain single-stranded RNA that is reverse-transcribed into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase inside the host cell.
Which bacterial structure allows genetic material to be transferred between cells through direct contact (conjugation)?
Answer: Sex pili
Sex pili form a direct cytoplasmic bridge between bacterial cells, enabling the transfer of plasmid DNA during conjugation.
The lytic cycle of a bacteriophage ends with which event?
Answer: Lysis of the host cell and release of new phages
In the lytic cycle, viral replication culminates in the destruction of the host bacterial cell and release of newly assembled bacteriophages.
Which type of immunity involves T cells and B cells responding specifically to pathogens?
Answer: Adaptive immunity
Adaptive immunity involves lymphocytes — T cells for cell-mediated responses and B cells for antibody-mediated responses — providing specific and long-lasting protection.
The outer membrane component of gram-negative bacteria that acts as an endotoxin is called:
Answer: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria triggers severe immune responses and acts as a potent endotoxin.