BIO 171 Final Exam | Basic Microbiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIO171 Final Exam) | Portage Learning Online
Question 1 (4 pts)
Match each of the following organelles with the correct description.
• Nucleus → Contains genomic content
• Endoplasmic reticulum → Series of membrane-enclosed sacs
• Lysosomes → Contain hydrolytic enzymes
• Chloroplasts → Site of photosynthesis
Rationale: Each organelle has a unique function: nucleus stores DNA, ER synthesizes
proteins/lipids, lysosomes digest waste, chloroplasts perform photosynthesis.
Question 2 (4 pts)
Briefly explain how a Scanning Transmission Electron Holography Microscope (STEHM)
works and what it is specifically used to see.
An image is formed using an electron beam coupled with a holography technique. It can
magnify subatomic structures up to 20 million times larger than what can be viewed
with the naked eye. It is used to study surfaces of proteins and subcellular structures.
Rationale: STEHM combines electron microscopy with holography to achieve extremely
high resolution for viewing nanoscale structures.
Question 3 (4 pts)
Match each of the following diseases to the correct bacterial family.
• Legionnaires → Legionella
• Wound botulism → Clostridium botulism
• Impetigo → Staph aureus
• Septicemic plague → Yersina pestis
Rationale: Each disease is caused by a specific bacterium: Legionella pneumophila,
Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Yersinia pestis.
, Question 4 (4 pts)
Identify each of the following microorganisms as either a Prokaryote or a Eukaryote.
• E. coli → Prokaryote
• Archaeons → Prokaryote
• Yeast → Eukaryote
• Amoeba → Eukaryote
Rationale: Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes (no nucleus); yeast (fungus) and
amoeba (protist) are eukaryotes (membrane-bound nucleus).
Question 5 (4 pts)
Match each of the following terms with the correct description.
• Phototroph → Utilize photons to generate ATP
• Lithotroph → Remove electrons from inorganic molecules
• Autotroph → Obtain their source of carbon from inorganic molecules
• Chemotroph → Acquire energy from preformed chemicals in the environment
Rationale: These terms describe energy and carbon sources: photo- (light), litho-
(inorganic electron donors), auto- (CO₂ as carbon source), chemo- (chemical energy).
Question 6 (4 pts)
A researcher is looking to solidify an agent for growth media. What polysaccharide
substance would he or she use?
Agar
Rationale: Agar is a polysaccharide derived from seaweed that solidifies media and is
not degraded by most microbes.
Question 7 (4 pts)
Place the following viral life cycle steps in order beginning with viral attachment and
provide a description of "RELEASE".
Correct order:
• Attachment
• Entry
• Uncoating
Rationale (BIO171 Final Exam) | Portage Learning Online
Question 1 (4 pts)
Match each of the following organelles with the correct description.
• Nucleus → Contains genomic content
• Endoplasmic reticulum → Series of membrane-enclosed sacs
• Lysosomes → Contain hydrolytic enzymes
• Chloroplasts → Site of photosynthesis
Rationale: Each organelle has a unique function: nucleus stores DNA, ER synthesizes
proteins/lipids, lysosomes digest waste, chloroplasts perform photosynthesis.
Question 2 (4 pts)
Briefly explain how a Scanning Transmission Electron Holography Microscope (STEHM)
works and what it is specifically used to see.
An image is formed using an electron beam coupled with a holography technique. It can
magnify subatomic structures up to 20 million times larger than what can be viewed
with the naked eye. It is used to study surfaces of proteins and subcellular structures.
Rationale: STEHM combines electron microscopy with holography to achieve extremely
high resolution for viewing nanoscale structures.
Question 3 (4 pts)
Match each of the following diseases to the correct bacterial family.
• Legionnaires → Legionella
• Wound botulism → Clostridium botulism
• Impetigo → Staph aureus
• Septicemic plague → Yersina pestis
Rationale: Each disease is caused by a specific bacterium: Legionella pneumophila,
Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Yersinia pestis.
, Question 4 (4 pts)
Identify each of the following microorganisms as either a Prokaryote or a Eukaryote.
• E. coli → Prokaryote
• Archaeons → Prokaryote
• Yeast → Eukaryote
• Amoeba → Eukaryote
Rationale: Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes (no nucleus); yeast (fungus) and
amoeba (protist) are eukaryotes (membrane-bound nucleus).
Question 5 (4 pts)
Match each of the following terms with the correct description.
• Phototroph → Utilize photons to generate ATP
• Lithotroph → Remove electrons from inorganic molecules
• Autotroph → Obtain their source of carbon from inorganic molecules
• Chemotroph → Acquire energy from preformed chemicals in the environment
Rationale: These terms describe energy and carbon sources: photo- (light), litho-
(inorganic electron donors), auto- (CO₂ as carbon source), chemo- (chemical energy).
Question 6 (4 pts)
A researcher is looking to solidify an agent for growth media. What polysaccharide
substance would he or she use?
Agar
Rationale: Agar is a polysaccharide derived from seaweed that solidifies media and is
not degraded by most microbes.
Question 7 (4 pts)
Place the following viral life cycle steps in order beginning with viral attachment and
provide a description of "RELEASE".
Correct order:
• Attachment
• Entry
• Uncoating
