,BIOD 171 Module 1 | Practice Q&A | 2026/2027 | Microbiology |
Portage Learning
1. At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what?
A) Macromolecules
B) Amino acids
C) Nucleotides
D) Organelles
Correct Answer: Macromolecules
Rationale: Cells are constructed primarily from macromolecules—proteins,
lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides—that collectively perform
structural and catalytic functions. Amino acids and nucleotides are the
subunits of macromolecules, not the building blocks of cells at a generalized
level.
2. True or False: A virus is considered a microorganism.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: False
Rationale: Viruses are not living and as such are not considered
microorganisms. Viruses can, however, be classified as microbes, a more
general term that includes microorganisms and viruses.
3. True or False: A virus is classified as a microbe.
A) True
B) False
,Correct Answer: True
Rationale: While viruses are not living organisms and do not meet the criteria
of microorganisms, they are included within the broad category of microbes.
Microbes encompass all microscopic entities including bacteria, archaea,
protists, fungi, and viruses.
4. What are the four main types of macromolecules found in cells?
A) Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids
B) Proteins, Fats, Sugars, DNA
C) Amino acids, Fatty acids, Monosaccharides, Nucleotides
D) Enzymes, Hormones, Vitamins, Minerals
Correct Answer: Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids
Rationale: The four main types of macromolecules are proteins, lipids,
nucleic acids, and polysaccharides/carbohydrates. These represent
fundamental biomolecules serving structural, informational, and catalytic
functions.
5. How many different types of amino acids are available to make proteins?
A) 12
B) 20
C) 25
D) 30
Correct Answer: 20
, Rationale: There are 20 different types of amino acids from which to make
proteins. These serve as the building blocks for all proteins in living
organisms.
6. How many amino acids are classified as essential amino acids?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 9
D) 12
Correct Answer: 9
Rationale: There are 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce
and must be consumed through diet. The remaining 11 are non-essential and
can be synthesized by the body.
7. What are the two major types of nucleic acids and their roles?
A) DNA stores genetic information; RNA synthesizes proteins
B) DNA synthesizes proteins; RNA stores genetic information
C) DNA and RNA both store genetic information
D) DNA transports energy; RNA stores genetic information
Correct Answer: DNA stores genetic information; RNA synthesizes proteins
Rationale: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) holds hereditary genetic material,
while RNA (ribonucleic acid) decodes this information to synthesize proteins.
This is the central dogma of molecular biology.
Portage Learning
1. At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what?
A) Macromolecules
B) Amino acids
C) Nucleotides
D) Organelles
Correct Answer: Macromolecules
Rationale: Cells are constructed primarily from macromolecules—proteins,
lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides—that collectively perform
structural and catalytic functions. Amino acids and nucleotides are the
subunits of macromolecules, not the building blocks of cells at a generalized
level.
2. True or False: A virus is considered a microorganism.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: False
Rationale: Viruses are not living and as such are not considered
microorganisms. Viruses can, however, be classified as microbes, a more
general term that includes microorganisms and viruses.
3. True or False: A virus is classified as a microbe.
A) True
B) False
,Correct Answer: True
Rationale: While viruses are not living organisms and do not meet the criteria
of microorganisms, they are included within the broad category of microbes.
Microbes encompass all microscopic entities including bacteria, archaea,
protists, fungi, and viruses.
4. What are the four main types of macromolecules found in cells?
A) Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids
B) Proteins, Fats, Sugars, DNA
C) Amino acids, Fatty acids, Monosaccharides, Nucleotides
D) Enzymes, Hormones, Vitamins, Minerals
Correct Answer: Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids
Rationale: The four main types of macromolecules are proteins, lipids,
nucleic acids, and polysaccharides/carbohydrates. These represent
fundamental biomolecules serving structural, informational, and catalytic
functions.
5. How many different types of amino acids are available to make proteins?
A) 12
B) 20
C) 25
D) 30
Correct Answer: 20
, Rationale: There are 20 different types of amino acids from which to make
proteins. These serve as the building blocks for all proteins in living
organisms.
6. How many amino acids are classified as essential amino acids?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 9
D) 12
Correct Answer: 9
Rationale: There are 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce
and must be consumed through diet. The remaining 11 are non-essential and
can be synthesized by the body.
7. What are the two major types of nucleic acids and their roles?
A) DNA stores genetic information; RNA synthesizes proteins
B) DNA synthesizes proteins; RNA stores genetic information
C) DNA and RNA both store genetic information
D) DNA transports energy; RNA stores genetic information
Correct Answer: DNA stores genetic information; RNA synthesizes proteins
Rationale: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) holds hereditary genetic material,
while RNA (ribonucleic acid) decodes this information to synthesize proteins.
This is the central dogma of molecular biology.
