BIOD 171 Essential Microbiology Practice Exam (100 Questions) with Answers

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BIOD 171 Essential Microbiology Practice Exam (100 Questions)

Section 1: Module 1 – Foundational Concepts & Macromolecules (Questions 1–25)

1. Which of the following best describes the primary focus of clinical microbiology?
A. The study of microorganisms in soil and water
B. The study of microbes that cause disease
C. The study of the genetic makeup of viruses
D. The study of microbial metabolism in extreme environments
Answer: B

2. What is the smallest biological unit of life?
A. The molecule
B. The atom
C. The cell
D. The tissue
Answer: C

3. At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what?
A. Organelles
B. Macromolecules
C. Tissues
D. Nuclei
Answer: B

4. Which of the following are the four main types of macromolecules found in cells?
A. Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic acids, Polysaccharides
B. Proteins, Fats, DNA, RNA
C. Enzymes, Hormones, Carbohydrates, Lipids
D. Amino acids, Sugars, Nucleotides, Fatty acids
Answer: A

5. How many different types of amino acids are available from which to make proteins?
A. 9
B. 12
C. 20
D. 64
Answer: C

6. How many amino acids are classified as essential amino acids?
A. 5
B. 7
C. 9

, 2


D. 12
Answer: C

7. Where can the two major types of nucleic acids be found in the cell, and what are their
respective roles?
A. Both are found in the nucleus; DNA synthesizes proteins while RNA stores genetic
information
B. DNA is in the nucleus and mitochondria; RNA is in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and ribosomes;
DNA stores hereditary information and RNA synthesizes proteins
C. Both are found in the cytoplasm; DNA directs protein synthesis while RNA carries genetic
material
D. DNA is in the ribosomes; RNA is in the nucleus; both store genetic information
Answer: B

8. What is the primary role of DNA in a cell?
A. To synthesize proteins directly
B. To store hereditary genetic information
C. To catalyze chemical reactions
D. To provide structural support
Answer: B

9. True or False: The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is contained within a
membrane-enclosed region.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B (Prokaryotes lack a nucleus)

10. Describe the 4 basic bacterial morphologies.
A. Coccus (round/spherical), bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod), spirillum (spiral/corkscrew)
B. Round, square, oval, spiral
C. Single, paired, clustered, chains
D. Gram-positive, gram-negative, acid-fast, non-acid-fast
Answer: A

11. Complete the following DNA strand: 3' GGTCATCG 5' / 5' CC _____ AGC 3'
A. 5' CCAGTAGC 3'
B. 5' CCGTAGTC 3'
C. 5' CCTAGTCG 3'
D. 5' CCATCGTA 3'
Answer: A (There are 2 bonds between A and T, and 3 bonds between G and C)

12. How many carbon atoms are present in the monosaccharide glucose?
A. 3
B. 5

, 3


C. 6
D. 12
Answer: C

13. Proteins are formed from various combinations of which building blocks?
A. Nucleotides
B. Monosaccharides
C. Amino acids
D. Fatty acids
Answer: C

14. Which of the following is a function of the ribosome?
A. Lipid synthesis
B. Protein synthesis
C. Waste disposal via hydrolytic enzymes
D. Energy production
Answer: B

15. The function of the mitochondria is to:
A. Synthesize lipids
B. Synthesize proteins
C. Produce energy (ATP)
D. Modify and package proteins
Answer: C

16. The plasma membrane (select all that are true):
A. Restricts movement of materials in and out of the cell
B. Is often a triple layer comprised of lipids
C. Prevents essential nutrients from escaping
D. Contains hydrophobic tails pointing outward
Answer: A and C

17. A virus is classified as which of the following?
A. A microorganism
B. A microbe
C. A prokaryote
D. A eukaryote
Answer: B (Viruses are not living and not considered microorganisms, but they are classified
as microbes)

18. Microorganisms classified as Plantae obtain most of their energy by:
A. Converting light energy into chemical energy
B. Breaking down organic matter
C. Consuming other organisms