Portage Learning BIOD 171 Microbiology Module 1–5 Exams Questions and Answers (2026/2027) | Updated Review | A+ Verified

Portage Learning BIOD 171 Microbiology
Module 1–5 Exams Questions and Answers
(2026/2027) | Updated Review | A+ Verified
• True or False: The smallest biological unit of life is the molecule. -✓✓False


• At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what? -✓✓Macromolecules


A student may also answer: Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic acids and Polysaccharides
but they must answer with all four to be fully correct.


• Proteins are formed from various combinations of _______ of which there are
______ known forms. -✓✓1. Amino acids
2. 20


• How many amino acids are classified as being essential amino acids? -✓✓9


• 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 -✓✓A;C


• Complete the following DNA strand, and indicate how many bonds are formed
for each complementary pair:
3' GGTCATCG 5'

,5' CC _____AGC 3' -✓✓3' GGTCATCG 5'
5' CCAGTAGC 3'


There are 2 bonds formed between A and T, and 3 bonds between G and C.


• True of False: The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is contained within a
membrane-enclosed region. -✓✓False


• How many carbon atoms are present in the monosaccharide glucose? -✓✓6


• Describe the 4 basic bacterial morphologies. -✓✓Coccus (round/spherical),
bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod) or spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).


• True or False: Archaea, a eukaryotic class of microorganisms, is capable of
surviving harsh environments. -✓✓False


• Which of the following microorganisms are considered to be Eukarya? Select all
that apply.
Animalia
Plantae
Fungi
Protista -✓✓All of them


• Microorganisms classified as _________ obtain most of their energy by
converting light energy into chemical energy. -✓✓Plantae

,• A defining characteristic of fungi is the presence of chitin in the cell walls. Which
of following also contain chitin? Select all that apply.
A. Mushrooms
B. Bacteria
C. Yeast
D. Molds -✓✓A, C, D


• True or False: Protista retain a unicellular classification, as they are unable to
form tissue layers. -✓✓True


• True of False. All multicellular microorganisms classified as Animalia are
heterotrophic -✓✓True


• The function of the lysosome is (select all that apply):
A. Lipid synthesis
B. Protein synthesis
C. To produce energy (ATP)
D. Protein modification and distribution
E. Waste disposal via hydrolytic enzymes -✓✓E


• The function of the mitochondria is (select all that apply):
A. Lipid synthesis
B. Protein synthesis
C. To produce energy (ATP)
D. Protein modification and distribution
E. Waste disposal via hydrolytic enzymes -✓✓C

, • The combination of the cell membrane and the outer membrane is referred to as
the (select all that apply):


A. Cell wall
B. Capsid
C. Cell envelope
D. Outer leaflet -✓✓C


• What is the smallest biological unit of life? -✓✓Cell


• Define an essential amino acid. -✓✓An essential amino acid cannot be produced
by the human body and as such must be take in from the environment through
alternative sources (i.e) food.


• Where can the two major types of nucleic acids be found in the cell and what are
their roles? -✓✓While both DNA and RNA can be found in the nucleus (center of
the cell), only RNA is capable of leaving the nucleus. DNA contains a vast amount
of hereditary information and is responsible for the inheritable characteristics of
living organisms. RNA is responsible for deciphering the hereditary information in
DNA and using it to synthesize proteins.


• True or False: Archaea is noted for its ability to survive under harsh conditions. -
✓✓True


• Microorganisms classified as Plantae obtain most of their energy by converting
_____ energy into _______ energy. -✓✓Light (sunlight); chemical (sugars)