Portage Learning Microbiology – Module 1
Exam (2025/2026 Latest Update) | Complete
Exam Q&A PDF | Verified Study Guide
True/False. A virus is classified as a microbe.
Correct! - correct answerTrue!
—
Although viruses are not living and as such are not considered microorganisms, they
can, however, be classified as microbes, a more general term that includes
microorganisms and viruses.
True or False: The smallest biological unit of life is the molecule. - correct answerFalse!
—
The smallest biological unit of life is the cell.
At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what? - correct answermacromolecules
(proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides)
Proteins are formed from various combinations of _________ of which there are
_________ known forms. - correct answeramino acids 20
Define an essential amino acid. - correct answerAn 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? - correct answerWhile 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.
Complete the following RNA strand, and indicate how many bonds are formed for each
complementary pair:
3' GGUCAUCG 5'
5' CC AGC 3' - correct answer3' GGUCAUCG 5'
5' CCAGUAGC 3'
There are 2 bonds formed between A and U, and 3 bonds between G and C.
The plasma membrane (select all that are true): - correct answerIs often a bilayer
comprised of lipids
, Contains hydrophobic tails pointing inward
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms come together to form what primary
macromolecule? Give an example. - correct answerPolysaccharides (carbohydrates).
Any sugar is acceptable: Glucose, sucrose, fructose, galactose, lactose, maltose, etc.
Also options: Starch, glycogen, cellulose, or chitin
True of False: The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is contained within a
membrane-enclosed region. - correct answerFalse!
—
Only eukaryotic cells contain its genetic material within a nucleus
Describe the 4 basic bacterial morphologies. - correct answerCoccus (round/spherical),
bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod) or spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).
True or False: Archaea is noted for its ability to survive under harsh conditions - correct
answerTrue!
—
Archaea can often be found in harsh conditions such as high salt levels, high acid
conditions, high temperatures and even oxygen-poor conditions.
Animalia, Plantae, Fungi and Protista are all classification under what type of organism?
- correct answerEukarya
Microorganisms classified as Plantae obtain most of their energy by converting
________ energy into _______ energy. - correct answerLight (sunlight); chemical
(sugars)
A defining characteristic of fungi is the presence of chitin in the cell walls. Which of
following also contain chitin? Select all that apply. - correct answerMushrooms, yeast,
molds
True or False: A defining characteristic of Protista is the inability of colonies to form
tissue layers. - correct answerTrue!
The function of the ribosome is (select all that apply): - correct answerProtein synthesis:
ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells and in the ER of eukaryotic
cells
Identify the following cellular components by matching the number with the description. -
correct answer1. F - nucleus
2. B - lysosome
3. E - plasma membrane
4. G - Golgi apparatus
5. D - rough endoplasmic reticulum
Exam (2025/2026 Latest Update) | Complete
Exam Q&A PDF | Verified Study Guide
True/False. A virus is classified as a microbe.
Correct! - correct answerTrue!
—
Although viruses are not living and as such are not considered microorganisms, they
can, however, be classified as microbes, a more general term that includes
microorganisms and viruses.
True or False: The smallest biological unit of life is the molecule. - correct answerFalse!
—
The smallest biological unit of life is the cell.
At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what? - correct answermacromolecules
(proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides)
Proteins are formed from various combinations of _________ of which there are
_________ known forms. - correct answeramino acids 20
Define an essential amino acid. - correct answerAn 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? - correct answerWhile 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.
Complete the following RNA strand, and indicate how many bonds are formed for each
complementary pair:
3' GGUCAUCG 5'
5' CC AGC 3' - correct answer3' GGUCAUCG 5'
5' CCAGUAGC 3'
There are 2 bonds formed between A and U, and 3 bonds between G and C.
The plasma membrane (select all that are true): - correct answerIs often a bilayer
comprised of lipids
, Contains hydrophobic tails pointing inward
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms come together to form what primary
macromolecule? Give an example. - correct answerPolysaccharides (carbohydrates).
Any sugar is acceptable: Glucose, sucrose, fructose, galactose, lactose, maltose, etc.
Also options: Starch, glycogen, cellulose, or chitin
True of False: The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is contained within a
membrane-enclosed region. - correct answerFalse!
—
Only eukaryotic cells contain its genetic material within a nucleus
Describe the 4 basic bacterial morphologies. - correct answerCoccus (round/spherical),
bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod) or spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).
True or False: Archaea is noted for its ability to survive under harsh conditions - correct
answerTrue!
—
Archaea can often be found in harsh conditions such as high salt levels, high acid
conditions, high temperatures and even oxygen-poor conditions.
Animalia, Plantae, Fungi and Protista are all classification under what type of organism?
- correct answerEukarya
Microorganisms classified as Plantae obtain most of their energy by converting
________ energy into _______ energy. - correct answerLight (sunlight); chemical
(sugars)
A defining characteristic of fungi is the presence of chitin in the cell walls. Which of
following also contain chitin? Select all that apply. - correct answerMushrooms, yeast,
molds
True or False: A defining characteristic of Protista is the inability of colonies to form
tissue layers. - correct answerTrue!
The function of the ribosome is (select all that apply): - correct answerProtein synthesis:
ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells and in the ER of eukaryotic
cells
Identify the following cellular components by matching the number with the description. -
correct answer1. F - nucleus
2. B - lysosome
3. E - plasma membrane
4. G - Golgi apparatus
5. D - rough endoplasmic reticulum
