Portage Learning Microbiology Exam #1 Questions With 100% Correct Answers | Updated 2026

Portage Learning Microbiology Exam #1 Questions With 100% Correct Answers | Updated 2026 Microorganism - answer-Single cell (bacteria, archaeons, fungi, protozoa, algae) Virus - answer-Not living, not considered microorganisms, considered microbes Microbes - answer-Include microorganisms and viruses, can be advantageous or harmful Cell - answer-Smallest, most basic biological unit of life All cells are compromised of - answer-Macromolecules (building bloacks) Four main types of macromolecules found ing cells - answer-Proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides Proteins - answer-Comprised of amino acids, facilitate movement of materials, act as enzymes to speed up biochemical processes, structural role Amino Acid - answer-Way proteins are formed by varying combinations, 20 different kinds Each protein - answer-has its own unique sequence of amino acids Essential Amino Acids - answer-human body cannot produce them, they must be taken in from the environment through other sources (food you eat) Nucleic Acid - answer-chemical molecules that carry genetic information within the cellTwo types of nucleic acids - answer-DNA and RNA DNA - answer-deoxyribonucleic acid, contains vast amount of hereditary info and is responsible for the inheritable characteristics of living organisms, made from nucleotides RNA - answer-ribonucleic acid, responsible for deciphering the hereditary information in DNA and using it to synthesize proteins Can DNA and RNA be found in the nucleus? - answer-Yes Can DNA and RNA leave the nucleus? - answer-Only RNA. DNA is highly compact in the nucleus Three parts of a nucleotide - answer-Nitrogenous base, sugar called deoxyribose, and a phosphate group Four kinds of nitrogenous bases - answer-Adenine or guanine (purine bases) and cytosine or thymine (pyrimidine bases) What forms the backbone of a DNA strand? - answer-Sugar and phosphate What base protrudes outward from the deoxyribose sugar? - answer-Nitrogenous base