BIOL 271 MICROBIOLOGY W/ LAB
MODULE 2 EXAM REVIEW | LOCKDOWN
BROWSER | PORTAGE LEARNING
Core Domains
• Metabolism Fundamentals (Catabolism, Anabolism, and Energy Transfer)
• Enzyme Structure, Function, and Regulation
• Cofactors, Coenzymes, and Active Sites
• ATP and Energy Transfer (Substrate-Level vs. Oxidative Phosphorylation)
• Glycolysis: Steps, Products, and ATP Yield
• Fermentation and Anaerobic Respiration
• The Krebs Cycle and Electron Transport Chain (ETC)
• Catabolism of Proteins, Lipids, and Alternative Energy Sources
• Microbial Photosynthesis and Chemotrophy
• Redox Reactions and Electron Carriers (NAD⁺/NADH, FAD/FADH₂)
Introduction
This comprehensive Module 2 exam review for BIOL 271 Microbiology w/Lab at
Portage Learning is designed to prepare students for the proctored examination
administered via LockDown Browser. Module 2 focuses on the fundamental
principles of microbial metabolism, including the chemical reactions that sustain
life, energy transfer, enzyme catalysis, and the catabolic and anabolic pathways
that drive cellular processes. The review covers glycolysis, fermentation, the Krebs
cycle, the electron transport chain, and the metabolism of alternative energy
sources such as proteins and lipids. Utilizing a multiple-choice format with
scenario-based questions, this review tests critical thinking and application of
microbiological principles essential for understanding how microorganisms obtain
,and utilize energy. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, diagnostic
applications, and evidence-based practice. Each question is accompanied by a
detailed rationale to reinforce learning and enhance comprehension for the
2026/2027 academic year.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-70
1. Metabolism can be defined as:
A. A controlled set of biochemical reactions that occur only in motile organisms
B. A controlled set of biochemical reactions that occur in living organisms to
maintain life
C. The breakdown of glucose for energy
D. The synthesis of macromolecules only
B
RATIONALE: Metabolism encompasses all biochemical reactions in a living
organism, both catabolic and anabolic, that maintain life. This occurs in all living
organisms regardless of motility. Option A is incorrect because non-motile
organisms also carry out metabolism. Options C and D describe only specific
aspects of metabolism rather than the complete definition.
2. True or False: Enzymes slow down chemical reactions to conserve energy.
A. True
B. False
B
RATIONALE: Enzymes are catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by
lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. They do not
slow down reactions or conserve energy; rather, they facilitate reactions that would
otherwise occur too slowly to sustain life. Enzymes remain unchanged after the
reaction and can be reused.
, 3. Which of the following is the correct definition of a cofactor?
A. A large protein molecule that catalyzes reactions
B. A small chemical component that assists an enzyme during catalysis
C. The active site of an enzyme where substrates bind
D. An organic molecule derived from vitamins
B
RATIONALE: A cofactor is a small chemical component that assists an enzyme
during catalysis reactions. Cofactors are typically metal ions (e.g., Fe²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺)
that help stabilize the enzyme-substrate complex or participate directly in the
chemical reaction. Option A describes the enzyme itself, C describes the active
site, and D describes coenzymes (organic cofactors) rather than cofactors in
general.
4. Which of the following is an example of a cofactor?
A. NAD⁺
B. Fe²⁺
C. FAD
D. Coenzyme A
B
RATIONALE: Fe²⁺ (ferrous iron) is an example of a cofactor, which is a metal ion
that assists enzymes during catalysis. NAD⁺, FAD, and Coenzyme A are
coenzymes—organic molecules derived from vitamins that also assist enzymes but
are not classified as cofactors.
5. True or False: Enzymes are polysaccharides that catalyze chemical
reactions.
A. True
B. False
B
MODULE 2 EXAM REVIEW | LOCKDOWN
BROWSER | PORTAGE LEARNING
Core Domains
• Metabolism Fundamentals (Catabolism, Anabolism, and Energy Transfer)
• Enzyme Structure, Function, and Regulation
• Cofactors, Coenzymes, and Active Sites
• ATP and Energy Transfer (Substrate-Level vs. Oxidative Phosphorylation)
• Glycolysis: Steps, Products, and ATP Yield
• Fermentation and Anaerobic Respiration
• The Krebs Cycle and Electron Transport Chain (ETC)
• Catabolism of Proteins, Lipids, and Alternative Energy Sources
• Microbial Photosynthesis and Chemotrophy
• Redox Reactions and Electron Carriers (NAD⁺/NADH, FAD/FADH₂)
Introduction
This comprehensive Module 2 exam review for BIOL 271 Microbiology w/Lab at
Portage Learning is designed to prepare students for the proctored examination
administered via LockDown Browser. Module 2 focuses on the fundamental
principles of microbial metabolism, including the chemical reactions that sustain
life, energy transfer, enzyme catalysis, and the catabolic and anabolic pathways
that drive cellular processes. The review covers glycolysis, fermentation, the Krebs
cycle, the electron transport chain, and the metabolism of alternative energy
sources such as proteins and lipids. Utilizing a multiple-choice format with
scenario-based questions, this review tests critical thinking and application of
microbiological principles essential for understanding how microorganisms obtain
,and utilize energy. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, diagnostic
applications, and evidence-based practice. Each question is accompanied by a
detailed rationale to reinforce learning and enhance comprehension for the
2026/2027 academic year.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-70
1. Metabolism can be defined as:
A. A controlled set of biochemical reactions that occur only in motile organisms
B. A controlled set of biochemical reactions that occur in living organisms to
maintain life
C. The breakdown of glucose for energy
D. The synthesis of macromolecules only
B
RATIONALE: Metabolism encompasses all biochemical reactions in a living
organism, both catabolic and anabolic, that maintain life. This occurs in all living
organisms regardless of motility. Option A is incorrect because non-motile
organisms also carry out metabolism. Options C and D describe only specific
aspects of metabolism rather than the complete definition.
2. True or False: Enzymes slow down chemical reactions to conserve energy.
A. True
B. False
B
RATIONALE: Enzymes are catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by
lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. They do not
slow down reactions or conserve energy; rather, they facilitate reactions that would
otherwise occur too slowly to sustain life. Enzymes remain unchanged after the
reaction and can be reused.
, 3. Which of the following is the correct definition of a cofactor?
A. A large protein molecule that catalyzes reactions
B. A small chemical component that assists an enzyme during catalysis
C. The active site of an enzyme where substrates bind
D. An organic molecule derived from vitamins
B
RATIONALE: A cofactor is a small chemical component that assists an enzyme
during catalysis reactions. Cofactors are typically metal ions (e.g., Fe²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺)
that help stabilize the enzyme-substrate complex or participate directly in the
chemical reaction. Option A describes the enzyme itself, C describes the active
site, and D describes coenzymes (organic cofactors) rather than cofactors in
general.
4. Which of the following is an example of a cofactor?
A. NAD⁺
B. Fe²⁺
C. FAD
D. Coenzyme A
B
RATIONALE: Fe²⁺ (ferrous iron) is an example of a cofactor, which is a metal ion
that assists enzymes during catalysis. NAD⁺, FAD, and Coenzyme A are
coenzymes—organic molecules derived from vitamins that also assist enzymes but
are not classified as cofactors.
5. True or False: Enzymes are polysaccharides that catalyze chemical
reactions.
A. True
B. False
B
