Microbiology Exam 1 Study Guide Questions
With Correct Answers 2026 Update
The study of microbiology is best defined as the study of organisms that - CORRECT ANSWER -
are in general too small to be seen with the unaided eye
2. Most organisms that are found in and on the human body do not cause harm and some
actually benefit the host - CORRECT ANSWER -T
3. Which of the following characteristics is not shared by all cells - CORRECT ANSWER -The
presence of receptors on cell surfaces to adhere to host cells
4. The third highest yearly cause of death in the USA and worldwide is due to infections of the
human ______________system - CORRECT ANSWER -pulmonary
5. Which of the following groups contains exclusively noncellular pathogens - CORRECT ANSWER
-Viruses
6. What is the single morphological term used to classify all self-reproductive cells that do not
contain a nucleus or other internal organelles - CORRECT ANSWER -prokaryotic
7. The study of the evolutionary relationships among organisms based on differences in genetic
information is termed - CORRECT ANSWER -phylogeny
The taxonomic category that is used to describe organisms that share the most common
characteristics and can interbreed is - CORRECT ANSWER -Species
Which of the following names for an organism is written correctly - CORRECT ANSWER -
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, The science of mycology is the study of fungi. Accordingly, organisms in the class Mycoplasma
are classified within the kingdom, fungi - CORRECT ANSWER -F
Which of the following specimens is normally not collected utilizing a sterile needle and syringe
- CORRECT ANSWER -sputum
The majority of pathogens obtain their energy from the oxidation of organic molecules from the
host. Based on the source of energy, these organisms are termed - CORRECT ANSWER -
heterotrophs
A synthetic (defined) media might contain all the following components with the exception of: -
CORRECT ANSWER -10% calf serum
Organisms that require special growth factors and have complex nutrient requirements are
termed - CORRECT ANSWER -fastidious
A media that promotes the growth of certain organisms and retards the growth of others is best
termed - CORRECT ANSWER -selective media
A common way to sterilize media that is temperature-sensitive is passage through a 0.2
micrometer filter. Is this an effective way to remove mycoplasma contamination from a sample?
Why or why not? - CORRECT ANSWER -This would not be effective in removing Mycoplasma
contaminants. These are below 0.2 µm so they would pass through the filter and remain in the
media.
Place the 5 steps required to identify a pathogen microbiologically in order starting from the
step after collection of the specimen (#1) to last step (#5). - CORRECT ANSWER -1- inoculation
2-incubation
3-isolation
With Correct Answers 2026 Update
The study of microbiology is best defined as the study of organisms that - CORRECT ANSWER -
are in general too small to be seen with the unaided eye
2. Most organisms that are found in and on the human body do not cause harm and some
actually benefit the host - CORRECT ANSWER -T
3. Which of the following characteristics is not shared by all cells - CORRECT ANSWER -The
presence of receptors on cell surfaces to adhere to host cells
4. The third highest yearly cause of death in the USA and worldwide is due to infections of the
human ______________system - CORRECT ANSWER -pulmonary
5. Which of the following groups contains exclusively noncellular pathogens - CORRECT ANSWER
-Viruses
6. What is the single morphological term used to classify all self-reproductive cells that do not
contain a nucleus or other internal organelles - CORRECT ANSWER -prokaryotic
7. The study of the evolutionary relationships among organisms based on differences in genetic
information is termed - CORRECT ANSWER -phylogeny
The taxonomic category that is used to describe organisms that share the most common
characteristics and can interbreed is - CORRECT ANSWER -Species
Which of the following names for an organism is written correctly - CORRECT ANSWER -
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, The science of mycology is the study of fungi. Accordingly, organisms in the class Mycoplasma
are classified within the kingdom, fungi - CORRECT ANSWER -F
Which of the following specimens is normally not collected utilizing a sterile needle and syringe
- CORRECT ANSWER -sputum
The majority of pathogens obtain their energy from the oxidation of organic molecules from the
host. Based on the source of energy, these organisms are termed - CORRECT ANSWER -
heterotrophs
A synthetic (defined) media might contain all the following components with the exception of: -
CORRECT ANSWER -10% calf serum
Organisms that require special growth factors and have complex nutrient requirements are
termed - CORRECT ANSWER -fastidious
A media that promotes the growth of certain organisms and retards the growth of others is best
termed - CORRECT ANSWER -selective media
A common way to sterilize media that is temperature-sensitive is passage through a 0.2
micrometer filter. Is this an effective way to remove mycoplasma contamination from a sample?
Why or why not? - CORRECT ANSWER -This would not be effective in removing Mycoplasma
contaminants. These are below 0.2 µm so they would pass through the filter and remain in the
media.
Place the 5 steps required to identify a pathogen microbiologically in order starting from the
step after collection of the specimen (#1) to last step (#5). - CORRECT ANSWER -1- inoculation
2-incubation
3-isolation
