Portage Learning Online
Basic Microbiology
Basic Microbiology Final Practice Examination
Total marks: 121 | Sections: 5 | Questions: 31
Section breakdown:
Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions, 10 questions, 40 total marks
Section 2: Short Answer Questions, 10 questions, 50 total marks
Section 3: True or False, 5 questions, 10 total marks
Section 4: Long Answer Questions, 5 questions, 20 total marks
Section 5: Multi-Select Challenge, 1 questions, 1 total marks
How to use this exam
Set a timer and complete this practice exam under real exam conditions. No notes or
external help.
Answer all questions carefully. Review your answers before finishing.
Manage your time wisely and ensure you answer all questions before time runs out.
Section 1/5 40 Marks total
Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions
Select the single best answer for each question. Each question is worth 4 marks.
Question 1 (4 marks)
If left untreated, approximately three percent of Streptococcal pharyngitis cases will
progress to which of the following conditions?
⃝ A Laryngitis
⃝ B Rheumatic fever
⃝ C Klebsiella pneumonia
⃝ D Conjunctivitis
Model answer:
Rheumatic fever occurs in approximately three percent of untreated cases of Streptococcal
pharyngitis, typically manifesting 2 to 3 weeks after the initial infection.
, Question 2 (4 marks)
A microorganism that acquires energy by removing electrons from inorganic molecules is
best classified as a:
⃝ A Phototroph
⃝ B Lithotroph
⃝ C Autotroph
⃝ D Chemotroph
Model answer:
Lithotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy by removing electrons from inorganic
molecules such as elemental sulfur or ammonia.
Question 3 (4 marks)
Which polysaccharide substance is commonly used by researchers as a solidifying agent for
growth media?
⃝ A Peptone
⃝ B Agar
⃝ C Beef Extract
⃝ D Yeast
Model answer:
Agar is a polysaccharide derived from algae used to solidify liquid growth media because it
remains solid at standard incubation temperatures.
Question 4 (4 marks)
Which infectious disease, related to SARS, led to significant quarantining and travel
restrictions in 2012?
⃝ A RSV
⃝ B ARDS
⃝ C MERS
⃝ D Influenza A
Model answer:
MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) emerged in 2012 and is caused by a coronavirus
similar to the one that causes SARS.
Question 5 (4 marks)
Which of the following characteristics are true of organisms in the kingdom Animalia?
⃝ A They are primarily autotrophic
⃝ B They possess the ability to move and are heterotrophic
⃝ C They are exclusively unicellular
⃝ D They lack a defined nucleus
Basic Microbiology
Basic Microbiology Final Practice Examination
Total marks: 121 | Sections: 5 | Questions: 31
Section breakdown:
Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions, 10 questions, 40 total marks
Section 2: Short Answer Questions, 10 questions, 50 total marks
Section 3: True or False, 5 questions, 10 total marks
Section 4: Long Answer Questions, 5 questions, 20 total marks
Section 5: Multi-Select Challenge, 1 questions, 1 total marks
How to use this exam
Set a timer and complete this practice exam under real exam conditions. No notes or
external help.
Answer all questions carefully. Review your answers before finishing.
Manage your time wisely and ensure you answer all questions before time runs out.
Section 1/5 40 Marks total
Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions
Select the single best answer for each question. Each question is worth 4 marks.
Question 1 (4 marks)
If left untreated, approximately three percent of Streptococcal pharyngitis cases will
progress to which of the following conditions?
⃝ A Laryngitis
⃝ B Rheumatic fever
⃝ C Klebsiella pneumonia
⃝ D Conjunctivitis
Model answer:
Rheumatic fever occurs in approximately three percent of untreated cases of Streptococcal
pharyngitis, typically manifesting 2 to 3 weeks after the initial infection.
, Question 2 (4 marks)
A microorganism that acquires energy by removing electrons from inorganic molecules is
best classified as a:
⃝ A Phototroph
⃝ B Lithotroph
⃝ C Autotroph
⃝ D Chemotroph
Model answer:
Lithotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy by removing electrons from inorganic
molecules such as elemental sulfur or ammonia.
Question 3 (4 marks)
Which polysaccharide substance is commonly used by researchers as a solidifying agent for
growth media?
⃝ A Peptone
⃝ B Agar
⃝ C Beef Extract
⃝ D Yeast
Model answer:
Agar is a polysaccharide derived from algae used to solidify liquid growth media because it
remains solid at standard incubation temperatures.
Question 4 (4 marks)
Which infectious disease, related to SARS, led to significant quarantining and travel
restrictions in 2012?
⃝ A RSV
⃝ B ARDS
⃝ C MERS
⃝ D Influenza A
Model answer:
MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) emerged in 2012 and is caused by a coronavirus
similar to the one that causes SARS.
Question 5 (4 marks)
Which of the following characteristics are true of organisms in the kingdom Animalia?
⃝ A They are primarily autotrophic
⃝ B They possess the ability to move and are heterotrophic
⃝ C They are exclusively unicellular
⃝ D They lack a defined nucleus
