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BIOL 271 / BIOL271 Module 1 (Latest 2026/2027
Update) Microbiology | Verified Questions & Answers
| Grade A | 100% Correct – Portage Learning
True/False. A virus is classified as a microbe.
Correct!
True!
—
Although viruses are not living and as such are not considered microorganisms, they can,
however, be classified as microbes, a more general term that includes microorganisms and
viruses.
True or False: The smallest biological unit of life is the molecule.
False!
—
The smallest biological unit of life is the cell.
At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what?
macromolecules (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides)
Proteins are formed from various combinations of _________ of which there are _________
known forms.
amino acids 20
Define an essential amino acid.
An essential amino acid cannot be produced by the human body and as such must be take in from
the environment through alternative sources (i.e) food.
Where can the two major types of nucleic acids be found in the cell, and what are their roles?
While both DNA and RNA can be found in the nucleus (center of the cell), only RNA is capable
of leaving the nucleus. DNA contains a vast amount of hereditary information and is responsible
for the inheritable characteristics of living organisms. RNA is responsible for deciphering the
hereditary information in DNA and using it to synthesize proteins.
Complete the following RNA strand, and indicate how many bonds are formed for each
complementary pair:
3' GGUCAUCG 5'
5' CC AGC 3'
3' GGUCAUCG 5'
5' CCAGUAGC 3'
There are 2 bonds formed between A and U, and 3 bonds between G and C.
, The plasma membrane (select all that are true):
Is often a bilayer comprised of lipids
Contains hydrophobic tails pointing inward
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms come together to form what primary macromolecule? Give
an example.
Polysaccharides (carbohydrates). Any sugar is acceptable: Glucose, sucrose, fructose, galactose,
lactose, maltose, etc.
Also options: Starch, glycogen, cellulose, or chitin
True of False: The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is contained within a membrane-
enclosed region.
False!
—
Only eukaryotic cells contain its genetic material within a nucleus
Describe the 4 basic bacterial morphologies.
Coccus (round/spherical), bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod) or spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).
True or False: Archaea is noted for its ability to survive under harsh conditions
True!
—
Archaea can often be found in harsh conditions such as high salt levels, high acid conditions,
high temperatures and even oxygen-poor conditions.
Animalia, Plantae, Fungi and Protista are all classification under what type of organism?
Eukarya
Microorganisms classified as Plantae obtain most of their energy by converting ________ energy
into _______ energy.
Light (sunlight); chemical (sugars)
A defining characteristic of fungi is the presence of chitin in the cell walls. Which of following
also contain chitin? Select all that apply.
Mushrooms, yeast, molds
True or False: A defining characteristic of Protista is the inability of colonies to form tissue
layers.
True!
The function of the ribosome is (select all that apply):
Protein synthesis: ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells and in the ER of
eukaryotic cells
BIOL 271 / BIOL271 Module 1 (Latest 2026/2027
Update) Microbiology | Verified Questions & Answers
| Grade A | 100% Correct – Portage Learning
True/False. A virus is classified as a microbe.
Correct!
True!
—
Although viruses are not living and as such are not considered microorganisms, they can,
however, be classified as microbes, a more general term that includes microorganisms and
viruses.
True or False: The smallest biological unit of life is the molecule.
False!
—
The smallest biological unit of life is the cell.
At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what?
macromolecules (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides)
Proteins are formed from various combinations of _________ of which there are _________
known forms.
amino acids 20
Define an essential amino acid.
An essential amino acid cannot be produced by the human body and as such must be take in from
the environment through alternative sources (i.e) food.
Where can the two major types of nucleic acids be found in the cell, and what are their roles?
While both DNA and RNA can be found in the nucleus (center of the cell), only RNA is capable
of leaving the nucleus. DNA contains a vast amount of hereditary information and is responsible
for the inheritable characteristics of living organisms. RNA is responsible for deciphering the
hereditary information in DNA and using it to synthesize proteins.
Complete the following RNA strand, and indicate how many bonds are formed for each
complementary pair:
3' GGUCAUCG 5'
5' CC AGC 3'
3' GGUCAUCG 5'
5' CCAGUAGC 3'
There are 2 bonds formed between A and U, and 3 bonds between G and C.
, The plasma membrane (select all that are true):
Is often a bilayer comprised of lipids
Contains hydrophobic tails pointing inward
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms come together to form what primary macromolecule? Give
an example.
Polysaccharides (carbohydrates). Any sugar is acceptable: Glucose, sucrose, fructose, galactose,
lactose, maltose, etc.
Also options: Starch, glycogen, cellulose, or chitin
True of False: The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is contained within a membrane-
enclosed region.
False!
—
Only eukaryotic cells contain its genetic material within a nucleus
Describe the 4 basic bacterial morphologies.
Coccus (round/spherical), bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod) or spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).
True or False: Archaea is noted for its ability to survive under harsh conditions
True!
—
Archaea can often be found in harsh conditions such as high salt levels, high acid conditions,
high temperatures and even oxygen-poor conditions.
Animalia, Plantae, Fungi and Protista are all classification under what type of organism?
Eukarya
Microorganisms classified as Plantae obtain most of their energy by converting ________ energy
into _______ energy.
Light (sunlight); chemical (sugars)
A defining characteristic of fungi is the presence of chitin in the cell walls. Which of following
also contain chitin? Select all that apply.
Mushrooms, yeast, molds
True or False: A defining characteristic of Protista is the inability of colonies to form tissue
layers.
True!
The function of the ribosome is (select all that apply):
Protein synthesis: ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells and in the ER of
eukaryotic cells
