BIO 171 Basic Microbiology
Final Practice Exam 2026
Full Questions, Correct Answers, and Explanations
31 questions 5 sections 121 listed marks
Multiple choice Short and long answer True/False + multi-select
Prepared as a study edition of the attached practice exam. Explanations are written for clarity, and scientifically misleading source
statements are corrected or qualified.
BIO 171 Basic Microbiology - Final Practice Exam 2026 Page 1
, Section 1: Multiple Choice
Question 1
If left untreated, approximately three percent of Streptococcal pharyngitis cases will progress to which condition?
A. Laryngitis
B. Rheumatic fever
C. Klebsiella pneumonia
D. Conjunctivitis
Correct answer: B. Rheumatic fever
Explanation: Untreated group A streptococcal pharyngitis can trigger acute rheumatic fever, an
immune-mediated complication that typically develops after the throat infection.
Question 2
A microorganism that acquires energy by removing electrons from inorganic molecules is best classified as a:
A. Phototroph
B. Lithotroph
C. Autotroph
D. Chemotroph
Correct answer: B. Lithotroph
Explanation: Lithotrophs use reduced inorganic compounds as electron donors. Phototroph and chemotroph
describe energy sources, while autotroph describes a carbon source.
Question 3
Which polysaccharide substance is commonly used by researchers as a solidifying agent for growth media?
A. Peptone
B. Agar
C. Beef extract
D. Yeast
Correct answer: B. Agar
Explanation: Agar is an algal polysaccharide that remains solid at ordinary incubation temperatures and is not
degraded by most bacteria.
Question 4
Which infectious disease, related to SARS, led to significant quarantining and travel restrictions in 2012?
A. RSV
B. ARDS
C. MERS
D. Influenza A
Correct answer: C. MERS
Explanation: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) was first identified in 2012 and is caused by a
coronavirus related to the virus responsible for SARS.
Question 5
Which characteristic is true of organisms in kingdom Animalia?
A. They are primarily autotrophic
B. They possess the ability to move and are heterotrophic
BIO 171 Basic Microbiology - Final Practice Exam 2026 Page 2
Final Practice Exam 2026
Full Questions, Correct Answers, and Explanations
31 questions 5 sections 121 listed marks
Multiple choice Short and long answer True/False + multi-select
Prepared as a study edition of the attached practice exam. Explanations are written for clarity, and scientifically misleading source
statements are corrected or qualified.
BIO 171 Basic Microbiology - Final Practice Exam 2026 Page 1
, Section 1: Multiple Choice
Question 1
If left untreated, approximately three percent of Streptococcal pharyngitis cases will progress to which condition?
A. Laryngitis
B. Rheumatic fever
C. Klebsiella pneumonia
D. Conjunctivitis
Correct answer: B. Rheumatic fever
Explanation: Untreated group A streptococcal pharyngitis can trigger acute rheumatic fever, an
immune-mediated complication that typically develops after the throat infection.
Question 2
A microorganism that acquires energy by removing electrons from inorganic molecules is best classified as a:
A. Phototroph
B. Lithotroph
C. Autotroph
D. Chemotroph
Correct answer: B. Lithotroph
Explanation: Lithotrophs use reduced inorganic compounds as electron donors. Phototroph and chemotroph
describe energy sources, while autotroph describes a carbon source.
Question 3
Which polysaccharide substance is commonly used by researchers as a solidifying agent for growth media?
A. Peptone
B. Agar
C. Beef extract
D. Yeast
Correct answer: B. Agar
Explanation: Agar is an algal polysaccharide that remains solid at ordinary incubation temperatures and is not
degraded by most bacteria.
Question 4
Which infectious disease, related to SARS, led to significant quarantining and travel restrictions in 2012?
A. RSV
B. ARDS
C. MERS
D. Influenza A
Correct answer: C. MERS
Explanation: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) was first identified in 2012 and is caused by a
coronavirus related to the virus responsible for SARS.
Question 5
Which characteristic is true of organisms in kingdom Animalia?
A. They are primarily autotrophic
B. They possess the ability to move and are heterotrophic
BIO 171 Basic Microbiology - Final Practice Exam 2026 Page 2
