1. Which of the following is a primary function of microbial metabolism? A) Energy storage B) Cellular repair C) Pathogenicity D) Energy production Answer: D) Energy production Rationale: Microbial metabolism primarily involves biochemical processes that convert nutrients into energy and new cellular materials, which is essential for microbial growth and reproduction. 2. In the context of enzymatic reactions, what does the term 'substrate' refer to? A) The enzyme's active site B) The product of the reaction C) The molecule upon which an enzyme acts D) The energy required to initiate the reaction Answer: C) The molecule upon which an enzyme acts Rationale: A substrate is the specific reactant molecule that an enzyme binds to and acts upon during a biochemical reaction. 3. What is the role of coenzymes in microbial enzymatic reactions? A) They provide structural support to enzymes. B) They act as electron carriers in redox reactions. C) They increase the temperature for optimal enzyme activity. D) They decrease the pH for optimal enzyme activity. Answer: B) They act as electron carriers in redox reactions. Rationale: Coenzymes are non-protein organic molecules that bind to enzymes and assist in enzyme-mediated reactions, often by acting as carriers of electrons or specific atoms or functional groups. 4. Which of the following best describes the 'induced fit' model of enzyme activity? A) The enzyme is rigid and the substrate must fit perfectly. B) The enzyme and substrate undergo conformational changes to interact. C) The enzyme is permanently altered by the substrate. D) The substrate is degraded before binding to the enzyme. Answer: B) The enzyme and substrate undergo conformational changes to interact.