,BIOD101/BIOD 101 Module 1 Exam | Essential Biology I with
Lab | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of all living organisms?
A) Movement
B) Cellular organization
C) Ability to grow indefinitely
D) Presence of a nucleus
Correct Answer: Cellular organization.
Rationale: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which is the fundamental
characteristic distinguishing life from non-life. Movement is not universal (e.g., plants and fungi do not
move from place to place), growth is finite, and prokaryotes lack a nucleus.
2. What is the primary function of the cell wall in a bacterial cell?
A) To store genetic material
B) To provide structural support and protection
C) To produce energy
D) To regulate the passage of substances
Correct Answer: To provide structural support and protection.
Rationale: The cell wall is a rigid structure that surrounds the bacterial cell membrane, providing
structural support and protection against osmotic pressure. It is not involved in energy production,
genetic storage, or selective permeability.
3. In an experiment testing the effect of a new energy drink on heart rate, the heart rate is measured.
What is the role of the heart rate in this experiment?
A) Independent variable
B) Dependent variable
,C) Control variable
D) Constant variable
Correct Answer: Dependent variable.
Rationale: The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in response to changes in
the independent variable. In this experiment, heart rate is the outcome being measured to see if it is
affected by the energy drink.
4. A researcher is studying the effect of fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following is the
independent variable?
A) The amount of water given to each plant
B) The type of fertilizer used
C) The height of the plants after two weeks
D) The type of soil used
Correct Answer: The type of fertilizer used.
Rationale: The independent variable is the factor that the researcher manipulates. In this experiment,
the type of fertilizer is being changed to observe its effect on plant growth, which is the dependent
variable.
5. According to the scientific method, what is the next step after making an observation?
A) Draw a conclusion
B) Formulate a hypothesis
C) Conduct an experiment
D) Analyze the data
Correct Answer: Formulate a hypothesis.
, Rationale: The scientific method follows a logical sequence: observation, question, hypothesis,
prediction, experiment, data analysis, and conclusion. After making an observation and asking a
question, the next step is to formulate a testable hypothesis.
6. A scientist proposes that a specific gene is responsible for a particular trait. This proposed explanation
is best described as a:
A) Theory
B) Law
C) Hypothesis
D) Observation
Correct Answer: Hypothesis.
Rationale: A hypothesis is a proposed, testable explanation for a phenomenon. A theory is a well-tested,
widely accepted explanation, and a law describes a consistent natural phenomenon.
7. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of all living organisms?
A) Response to stimuli
B) Reproduction
C) Homeostasis
D) Ability to photosynthesize
Correct Answer: Ability to photosynthesize.
Rationale: Not all living organisms photosynthesize; only plants, algae, and some bacteria do. All living
organisms, however, respond to stimuli, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis.
8. What is matter?
A) Anything that has mass and takes up space
B) A form of energy
Lab | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of all living organisms?
A) Movement
B) Cellular organization
C) Ability to grow indefinitely
D) Presence of a nucleus
Correct Answer: Cellular organization.
Rationale: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which is the fundamental
characteristic distinguishing life from non-life. Movement is not universal (e.g., plants and fungi do not
move from place to place), growth is finite, and prokaryotes lack a nucleus.
2. What is the primary function of the cell wall in a bacterial cell?
A) To store genetic material
B) To provide structural support and protection
C) To produce energy
D) To regulate the passage of substances
Correct Answer: To provide structural support and protection.
Rationale: The cell wall is a rigid structure that surrounds the bacterial cell membrane, providing
structural support and protection against osmotic pressure. It is not involved in energy production,
genetic storage, or selective permeability.
3. In an experiment testing the effect of a new energy drink on heart rate, the heart rate is measured.
What is the role of the heart rate in this experiment?
A) Independent variable
B) Dependent variable
,C) Control variable
D) Constant variable
Correct Answer: Dependent variable.
Rationale: The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in response to changes in
the independent variable. In this experiment, heart rate is the outcome being measured to see if it is
affected by the energy drink.
4. A researcher is studying the effect of fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following is the
independent variable?
A) The amount of water given to each plant
B) The type of fertilizer used
C) The height of the plants after two weeks
D) The type of soil used
Correct Answer: The type of fertilizer used.
Rationale: The independent variable is the factor that the researcher manipulates. In this experiment,
the type of fertilizer is being changed to observe its effect on plant growth, which is the dependent
variable.
5. According to the scientific method, what is the next step after making an observation?
A) Draw a conclusion
B) Formulate a hypothesis
C) Conduct an experiment
D) Analyze the data
Correct Answer: Formulate a hypothesis.
, Rationale: The scientific method follows a logical sequence: observation, question, hypothesis,
prediction, experiment, data analysis, and conclusion. After making an observation and asking a
question, the next step is to formulate a testable hypothesis.
6. A scientist proposes that a specific gene is responsible for a particular trait. This proposed explanation
is best described as a:
A) Theory
B) Law
C) Hypothesis
D) Observation
Correct Answer: Hypothesis.
Rationale: A hypothesis is a proposed, testable explanation for a phenomenon. A theory is a well-tested,
widely accepted explanation, and a law describes a consistent natural phenomenon.
7. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of all living organisms?
A) Response to stimuli
B) Reproduction
C) Homeostasis
D) Ability to photosynthesize
Correct Answer: Ability to photosynthesize.
Rationale: Not all living organisms photosynthesize; only plants, algae, and some bacteria do. All living
organisms, however, respond to stimuli, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis.
8. What is matter?
A) Anything that has mass and takes up space
B) A form of energy
