CLEP CLEP Biology Microbiology and Immunology

Question 1

Which bacteria lack a cell wall, making them naturally resistant to penicillin?

Accepted Answer

Mycoplasma

Answer

Mycoplasma are bacteria that lack a cell wall, making them resistant to antibiotics like penicillin that target cell wall synthesis.

Question 2

What is the genetic material found in a retrovirus like HIV?

Accepted Answer

Single-stranded RNA

Answer

Retroviruses contain single-stranded RNA that is reverse-transcribed into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase inside the host cell.

Question 3

Which bacterial structure allows genetic material to be transferred between cells through direct contact (conjugation)?

Accepted Answer

Sex pili

Answer

Sex pili form a direct cytoplasmic bridge between bacterial cells, enabling the transfer of plasmid DNA during conjugation.

Question 4

The lytic cycle of a bacteriophage ends with which event?

Accepted Answer

Lysis of the host cell and release of new phages

Answer

In the lytic cycle, viral replication culminates in the destruction of the host bacterial cell and release of newly assembled bacteriophages.

Question 5

Which type of immunity involves T cells and B cells responding specifically to pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive immunity

Answer

Adaptive immunity involves lymphocytes — T cells for cell-mediated responses and B cells for antibody-mediated responses — providing specific and long-lasting protection.

CLEP Practice Test

CLEP Practice Test

CLEP CLEP Biology Microbiology and Immunology