2nd Year Microbiology MI211
Semester I Exam 2004
Course Director: Conor O’Byrne
1. Compare and Contrast the Procaryotic and Eucaryotic Cell Types.
2. Describe the Structure and Function of the Bacterial Cytoplasmic Membrane.
3. Write an essay describing bacterial DNA replication.
4. What is genetic variation and why is it important for bacteria? Describe the types of
point mutation in bacterial DNA that contribute to genetic variation.
5. Microorganisms can be classified on the basis of their tolerance of physical parameters
such as pH, temperature, salt (water activity), and oxygen availability. Discuss this
statement with respect to any two of these parameters.
6. Microbial growth can be visualised by plotting a graph call a “growth curve”. Explain
how you would plot a growth curve and how you could use it to establish the generation
time (g) of a culture.
7. Compare and contrast ATP synthesis by substrate level phosphorylation and oxidative
phosphorylation.
8. Outline the main characteristics of a bacterial fermentation pathway. Describe in detail,
the operation of the mixed acid (formic acid) pathway and comment on its medical and
public health applications.