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BIOD 171 Essential Microbiology Modules 1-5
Comprehensive Exam -
1. A virus is considered a microorganism.
A) True
B) False
False. Viruses are acellular entities that require a host cell to replicate and are not considered
living microorganisms, as they lack cellular structure and independent metabolic processes.
2. The smallest biological unit of life is the:
A) Molecule
B) Atom
C) Cell
D) Tissue
Cell. The cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of all living organisms, capable of
independent reproduction and maintaining homeostasis.
3. At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of which of the following?
A) Proteins only
B) Lipids only
C) Nucleic acids and polysaccharides only
D) Proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides
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Proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. These four macromolecular classes form the
structural and functional basis of all cellular life.
4. Proteins are formed from various combinations of amino acids, of which there are how many
known forms?
A) 15
B) 20
C) 25
D) 30
20. There are twenty standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to form the diverse
array of proteins necessary for cellular function.
5. How many amino acids are classified as being essential for humans?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 9
D) 12
9. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through
dietary sources to support protein synthesis.
6. The plasma membrane functions to:
A) Restrict movement of materials in and out of the cell only
B) Prevent essential nutrients from escaping only
C) Both restrict movement of materials and prevent essential nutrients from escaping
D) Allow free passage of all molecules
Both restrict movement of materials and prevent essential nutrients from escaping. The plasma
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membrane is selectively permeable, controlling the passage of substances while maintaining
cellular integrity.
7. Complete the DNA strand: 3' GGTCATCG 5' pairs with which complementary sequence?
A) 5' CCAGTAGC 3'
B) 5' GGTCA TCG 3'
C) 5' CCTGA TGC 3'
D) 5' AAGU AGCU 3'
5' CCAGTAGC 3'. Complementary base pairing requires G-C pairs forming three hydrogen
bonds and A-T pairs forming two hydrogen bonds.
8. The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is:
A) Contained within a membrane-enclosed nucleus
B) Found freely in the cytoplasm in a nucleoid region
C) Located within mitochondria
D) Contained within the endoplasmic reticulum
Found freely in the cytoplasm in a nucleoid region. Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus and their
genetic material resides in an irregularly shaped region without a surrounding membrane.
9. How many carbon atoms are present in the monosaccharide glucose?
A) 3
B) 5
C) 6
D) 12
6. Glucose is a hexose monosaccharide containing six carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure
with the molecular formula C6H12O6.
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10. Which of the following describes the coccus bacterial morphology?
A) Rod-shaped
B) Round or spherical
C) Curved rod
D) Spiral or corkscrew
Round or spherical. Coccus bacteria are spherical in shape and can exist as single cells, pairs,
chains, or clusters depending on the species.
11. Which of the following describes the bacillus bacterial morphology?
A) Round or spherical
B) Rod-shaped
C) Curved rod
D) Spiral or corkscrew
Rod-shaped. Bacillus bacteria are cylindrical or rod-shaped organisms that may occur singly, in
pairs, or in chains.
12. Which of the following describes the spirillum bacterial morphology?
A) Round or spherical
B) Rod-shaped
C) Curved rod
D) Spiral or corkscrew
Spiral or corkscrew. Spirillum bacteria have a helical or spiral shape with rigid cell walls and
flagella for motility.
13. Archaea, a domain of microorganisms, is capable of surviving harsh environments.
A) True
BIOD 171 Essential Microbiology Modules 1-5
Comprehensive Exam -
1. A virus is considered a microorganism.
A) True
B) False
False. Viruses are acellular entities that require a host cell to replicate and are not considered
living microorganisms, as they lack cellular structure and independent metabolic processes.
2. The smallest biological unit of life is the:
A) Molecule
B) Atom
C) Cell
D) Tissue
Cell. The cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of all living organisms, capable of
independent reproduction and maintaining homeostasis.
3. At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of which of the following?
A) Proteins only
B) Lipids only
C) Nucleic acids and polysaccharides only
D) Proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides
,2|Page
Proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. These four macromolecular classes form the
structural and functional basis of all cellular life.
4. Proteins are formed from various combinations of amino acids, of which there are how many
known forms?
A) 15
B) 20
C) 25
D) 30
20. There are twenty standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to form the diverse
array of proteins necessary for cellular function.
5. How many amino acids are classified as being essential for humans?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 9
D) 12
9. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through
dietary sources to support protein synthesis.
6. The plasma membrane functions to:
A) Restrict movement of materials in and out of the cell only
B) Prevent essential nutrients from escaping only
C) Both restrict movement of materials and prevent essential nutrients from escaping
D) Allow free passage of all molecules
Both restrict movement of materials and prevent essential nutrients from escaping. The plasma
,3|Page
membrane is selectively permeable, controlling the passage of substances while maintaining
cellular integrity.
7. Complete the DNA strand: 3' GGTCATCG 5' pairs with which complementary sequence?
A) 5' CCAGTAGC 3'
B) 5' GGTCA TCG 3'
C) 5' CCTGA TGC 3'
D) 5' AAGU AGCU 3'
5' CCAGTAGC 3'. Complementary base pairing requires G-C pairs forming three hydrogen
bonds and A-T pairs forming two hydrogen bonds.
8. The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is:
A) Contained within a membrane-enclosed nucleus
B) Found freely in the cytoplasm in a nucleoid region
C) Located within mitochondria
D) Contained within the endoplasmic reticulum
Found freely in the cytoplasm in a nucleoid region. Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus and their
genetic material resides in an irregularly shaped region without a surrounding membrane.
9. How many carbon atoms are present in the monosaccharide glucose?
A) 3
B) 5
C) 6
D) 12
6. Glucose is a hexose monosaccharide containing six carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure
with the molecular formula C6H12O6.
, 4|Page
10. Which of the following describes the coccus bacterial morphology?
A) Rod-shaped
B) Round or spherical
C) Curved rod
D) Spiral or corkscrew
Round or spherical. Coccus bacteria are spherical in shape and can exist as single cells, pairs,
chains, or clusters depending on the species.
11. Which of the following describes the bacillus bacterial morphology?
A) Round or spherical
B) Rod-shaped
C) Curved rod
D) Spiral or corkscrew
Rod-shaped. Bacillus bacteria are cylindrical or rod-shaped organisms that may occur singly, in
pairs, or in chains.
12. Which of the following describes the spirillum bacterial morphology?
A) Round or spherical
B) Rod-shaped
C) Curved rod
D) Spiral or corkscrew
Spiral or corkscrew. Spirillum bacteria have a helical or spiral shape with rigid cell walls and
flagella for motility.
13. Archaea, a domain of microorganisms, is capable of surviving harsh environments.
A) True
