Question: Which of the following is not a characteristic of a bacteriophage? A. Protein coat B. Nucleic acid core C. Ribosomes D. Tail fibers Answer: C. Ribosomes Rationale: Bacteriophages lack ribosomes as they are dependent on the host cell's machinery for protein synthesis. Question: What is the function of restriction enzymes in bacteria? A. DNA replication B. RNA transcription C. DNA repair D. Defense against foreign DNA Answer: D. Defense against foreign DNA Rationale: Restriction enzymes help bacteria defend against foreign DNA by cutting it at specific recognition sites. Question: Which of the following bacterial genetic elements can replicate independently of the host chromosome? A. Plasmid B. Operon C. Transposon D. Exon Answer: A. Plasmid Rationale: Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements that can replicate independently within bacterial cells. Question: Conjugation in bacteria involves the transfer of genetic material through: A. Transformation B. Transduction C. Cell division D. Direct cell-to-cell contact Answer: D. Direct cell-to-cell contact