WEIVER • 242 SOIB
★ ★
Chamberlain University
C College of Nursing & Health Professions
J O U R N E Y T O E X T R A O R D I N A R Y CO M PA S S I O N AT E C A R E
EST. 1889
BIOS 242 — Exam 1 Comprehensive Review
M I C R O B I O LO G Y F O U N D AT I O N S · B R A N C H E S , C E L L TY P E S , ST R U C T U R E S , V I R U S E S & G E N E T I CS
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE BIOS 242
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
RESOURCE TYPE Comprehensive Exam Review / Practice Examination TOTAL QUESTIONS 25 Questions
COURSE TITLE Fundamentals of Microbiology FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best Answer
REVIEW EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ This comprehensive review covers branches of microbiology, historical figures, cell types, microbial structures, viruses, and genetics.
▸ All content reflects BIOS 242 learning objectives and foundational microbiology for nursing.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question for exam preparation purposes.
▸ Pay careful attention to the distinguishing characteristics between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, virus types, and historical contributions.
SECTION I — MICROBIOLOGY BRANCHES, HISTORICAL FIGURES, CELLS & STRUCTURES Questions 1 – 25
1. Medical microbiology is defined as the study of:
A. Microbes in crop and livestock systems
B. Microbes that cause diseases in humans and animals
C. Use of microbes in food, drugs, and biotechnology
D. Microbes in soil, water, air, and extreme environments
CORRECT ANSWER B — Microbes that cause diseases in humans and animals
RATIONALE Medical microbiology specifically studies microbes that cause diseases in humans and animals. Agricultural microbiology studies microbes in crop and livestock
systems. Industrial microbiology uses microbes in food, drugs, and biotech. Environmental microbiology studies microbes in soil, water, air, and extreme
environments. Public health microbiology and epidemiology tracks disease outbreaks and monitors community health. Immunology studies the immune system
and responses to infection. These six branches represent the major subdisciplines of microbiology.
2. Louis Pasteur is credited with which of the following contributions?
A. First person to observe microbes using a microscope
B. Creating postulates linking specific microbes to diseases
C. Developing pasteurization, germ theory, rabies vaccine, and the Swan Neck Flask experiment
D. Linking handwashing to reduced infections in maternity wards
CORRECT ANSWER C — Developing pasteurization, germ theory, rabies vaccine, and the Swan Neck Flask experiment
RATIONALE Louis Pasteur made multiple foundational contributions: developed pasteurization (heat treatment to kill microbes), proposed the germ theory of disease, created
the first rabies vaccine, and disproved spontaneous generation using his Swan Neck Flask experiment. Option A describes Robert Hooke (first to observe
microbes). Option B describes Robert Koch (postulates linking specific microbes to diseases). Option D describes Ignaz Semmelweis (handwashing and childbed
fever). Joseph Lister was the first to sterilize operating rooms with antiseptics (phenol).
3. Eukaryotic cells are distinguished from prokaryotic cells by the presence of:
A. A cell membrane and ribosomes
B. A nucleus; eukaryotes include protozoa, fungi, and helminths
C. Peptidoglycan in the cell wall
D. The absence of any membrane-bound structures
CORRECT ANSWER B — A nucleus; eukaryotes include protozoa, fungi, and helminths
RATIONALE Eukaryotic cells have a true membrane-bound nucleus and include protozoa (always unicellular), fungi (uni- or multicellular with chitin cell walls), helminths
(multicellular parasitic worms), and algae (uni- or multicellular with cellulose cell walls). Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and include bacteria (contain
peptidoglycan) and archaea (no peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments). Both cell types have cell membranes and ribosomes — prokaryotic ribosomes are
70S, eukaryotic are 80S. Acellular microbes include viruses (DNA or RNA) and prions (no genetic material, only protein).
, 4. The three domains of life are:
A. Protozoa, Fungi, and Algae
B. Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
C. Viruses, Prions, and Viroids
D. Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and Mycoplasma
CORRECT ANSWER B — Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
RATIONALE The three domains of life are Bacteria (contain peptidoglycan, found in humans and nature), Archaea (no peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments, produce
methane), and Eukarya (have a nucleus, include animals, plants, fungi, and protists). This classification, developed by Carl Woese, is based on ribosomal RNA
sequences. Carl von Linnaeus developed the binomial naming system (Genus species). Option A lists eukaryotic organisms within Eukarya. Option C lists acellular
infectious agents, which are not considered living. Option D lists bacterial classifications within the Bacteria domain.
5. The Five I's of Microbiology are:
A. Inoculation, Incubation, Isolation, Inspection, Identification
B. Infection, Inflammation, Immunity, Isolation, Identification
C. Inoculation, Incubation, Irradiation, Inspection, Isolation
D. Isolation, Identification, Inoculation, Infection, Immunity
CORRECT ANSWER A — Inoculation, Incubation, Isolation, Inspection, Identification
RATIONALE The Five I's of microbiology represent the systematic process for studying microorganisms: (1) Inoculation — introducing the specimen to growth medium; (2)
Incubation — providing optimal growth conditions; (3) Isolation — separating individual species (using streak plate method to obtain pure colonies); (4) Inspection
— observing colony and cellular characteristics; (5) Identification — determining the specific organism. A colony is a visible group of microbes arising from a single
cell. General purpose media grows many types; enriched media contains blood/serum for fastidious bacteria; selective media suppresses some while allowing
others; differential media shows visible differences.
6. Which microscope is most commonly used to show bacterial shape and grouping, and which microscope is used for viruses and cell detail?
A. Electron microscope for shape; Light microscope for viruses
B. Light microscope for shape and grouping; Electron microscope for viruses and cell detail
C. TEM for surface images; SEM for internal structures
D. Both are used interchangeably for all purposes
CORRECT ANSWER B — Light microscope for shape and grouping; Electron microscope for viruses and cell detail
RATIONALE The light microscope is the most commonly used in microbiology — it shows bacterial shape and grouping. The electron microscope is used for visualizing viruses
and detailed cell structures because of its much higher magnification and resolution. TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) shows internal cell structures by
transmitting electrons through thin specimens. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) produces 3D surface images by scanning the specimen surface. Simple stains
show shape and arrangement; differential stains (like Gram stain) reveal more information about cell wall composition.
7. Which structures are found in all bacteria?
A. Flagella, pili, fimbriae, and capsule
B. Cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and nucleoid
C. Endospores, LPS outer membrane, and teichoic acids
D. Nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum
CORRECT ANSWER B — Cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and nucleoid
RATIONALE All bacteria possess: cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes (70S), and a nucleoid (region containing genetic material). Structures NOT found in all bacteria include:
flagella (movement — mono, lopho, amphi, peri arrangements), pili (DNA transfer via conjugation, found in Gram-negative bacteria), fimbriae (adhesion to
surfaces), glycocalyx (sticky outer sugar coating including slime layer and capsule), and endospores (dormant, resistant forms made only by Bacillus and
Clostridium — causing anthrax, tetanus, and botulism). Mycoplasma is unique: bacteria with no cell wall and variable shape.
8. Gram-positive bacteria stain purple because they have:
A. Thin peptidoglycan and an outer membrane with LPS
B. Thick peptidoglycan and teichoic acids that retain the crystal violet stain
C. No peptidoglycan and mycolic acid in their cell wall
D. An outer membrane that prevents the crystal violet from entering
CORRECT ANSWER B — Thick peptidoglycan and teichoic acids that retain the crystal violet stain
RATIONALE Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer with teichoic acids that retain the crystal violet-iodine complex during decolorization, staining purple.
Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer, an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS — an endotoxin), and stain pink because the
outer membrane is weakened during decolorization, allowing the crystal violet to wash out. The capsule is a thick, sticky layer that helps bacteria evade the
immune system. Endospores are dormant, resistant forms. Mycoplasma has no cell wall.
9. Archaea differ from bacteria in that archaea:
A. Contain peptidoglycan and are found only in humans
B. Lack peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments, and some produce methane
C. Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
D. Are acellular and require a host to replicate
CORRECT ANSWER B — Lack peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments, and some produce methane
RATIONALE Archaea are prokaryotic (no nucleus) but differ fundamentally from bacteria: they lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls, live in extreme environments
(hyperthermophiles in volcanoes, psychrophiles in ice caps, halophiles in salt lakes), and methanogens produce methane (found in swamps and landfills).
Bacteria contain peptidoglycan and are found in humans and nature. Both archaea and bacteria are prokaryotic — they lack membrane-bound organelles and a
nucleus. Option C describes eukaryotes. Option D describes viruses.
★ ★
Chamberlain University
C College of Nursing & Health Professions
J O U R N E Y T O E X T R A O R D I N A R Y CO M PA S S I O N AT E C A R E
EST. 1889
BIOS 242 — Exam 1 Comprehensive Review
M I C R O B I O LO G Y F O U N D AT I O N S · B R A N C H E S , C E L L TY P E S , ST R U C T U R E S , V I R U S E S & G E N E T I CS
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE BIOS 242
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
RESOURCE TYPE Comprehensive Exam Review / Practice Examination TOTAL QUESTIONS 25 Questions
COURSE TITLE Fundamentals of Microbiology FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best Answer
REVIEW EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ This comprehensive review covers branches of microbiology, historical figures, cell types, microbial structures, viruses, and genetics.
▸ All content reflects BIOS 242 learning objectives and foundational microbiology for nursing.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question for exam preparation purposes.
▸ Pay careful attention to the distinguishing characteristics between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, virus types, and historical contributions.
SECTION I — MICROBIOLOGY BRANCHES, HISTORICAL FIGURES, CELLS & STRUCTURES Questions 1 – 25
1. Medical microbiology is defined as the study of:
A. Microbes in crop and livestock systems
B. Microbes that cause diseases in humans and animals
C. Use of microbes in food, drugs, and biotechnology
D. Microbes in soil, water, air, and extreme environments
CORRECT ANSWER B — Microbes that cause diseases in humans and animals
RATIONALE Medical microbiology specifically studies microbes that cause diseases in humans and animals. Agricultural microbiology studies microbes in crop and livestock
systems. Industrial microbiology uses microbes in food, drugs, and biotech. Environmental microbiology studies microbes in soil, water, air, and extreme
environments. Public health microbiology and epidemiology tracks disease outbreaks and monitors community health. Immunology studies the immune system
and responses to infection. These six branches represent the major subdisciplines of microbiology.
2. Louis Pasteur is credited with which of the following contributions?
A. First person to observe microbes using a microscope
B. Creating postulates linking specific microbes to diseases
C. Developing pasteurization, germ theory, rabies vaccine, and the Swan Neck Flask experiment
D. Linking handwashing to reduced infections in maternity wards
CORRECT ANSWER C — Developing pasteurization, germ theory, rabies vaccine, and the Swan Neck Flask experiment
RATIONALE Louis Pasteur made multiple foundational contributions: developed pasteurization (heat treatment to kill microbes), proposed the germ theory of disease, created
the first rabies vaccine, and disproved spontaneous generation using his Swan Neck Flask experiment. Option A describes Robert Hooke (first to observe
microbes). Option B describes Robert Koch (postulates linking specific microbes to diseases). Option D describes Ignaz Semmelweis (handwashing and childbed
fever). Joseph Lister was the first to sterilize operating rooms with antiseptics (phenol).
3. Eukaryotic cells are distinguished from prokaryotic cells by the presence of:
A. A cell membrane and ribosomes
B. A nucleus; eukaryotes include protozoa, fungi, and helminths
C. Peptidoglycan in the cell wall
D. The absence of any membrane-bound structures
CORRECT ANSWER B — A nucleus; eukaryotes include protozoa, fungi, and helminths
RATIONALE Eukaryotic cells have a true membrane-bound nucleus and include protozoa (always unicellular), fungi (uni- or multicellular with chitin cell walls), helminths
(multicellular parasitic worms), and algae (uni- or multicellular with cellulose cell walls). Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and include bacteria (contain
peptidoglycan) and archaea (no peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments). Both cell types have cell membranes and ribosomes — prokaryotic ribosomes are
70S, eukaryotic are 80S. Acellular microbes include viruses (DNA or RNA) and prions (no genetic material, only protein).
, 4. The three domains of life are:
A. Protozoa, Fungi, and Algae
B. Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
C. Viruses, Prions, and Viroids
D. Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and Mycoplasma
CORRECT ANSWER B — Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
RATIONALE The three domains of life are Bacteria (contain peptidoglycan, found in humans and nature), Archaea (no peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments, produce
methane), and Eukarya (have a nucleus, include animals, plants, fungi, and protists). This classification, developed by Carl Woese, is based on ribosomal RNA
sequences. Carl von Linnaeus developed the binomial naming system (Genus species). Option A lists eukaryotic organisms within Eukarya. Option C lists acellular
infectious agents, which are not considered living. Option D lists bacterial classifications within the Bacteria domain.
5. The Five I's of Microbiology are:
A. Inoculation, Incubation, Isolation, Inspection, Identification
B. Infection, Inflammation, Immunity, Isolation, Identification
C. Inoculation, Incubation, Irradiation, Inspection, Isolation
D. Isolation, Identification, Inoculation, Infection, Immunity
CORRECT ANSWER A — Inoculation, Incubation, Isolation, Inspection, Identification
RATIONALE The Five I's of microbiology represent the systematic process for studying microorganisms: (1) Inoculation — introducing the specimen to growth medium; (2)
Incubation — providing optimal growth conditions; (3) Isolation — separating individual species (using streak plate method to obtain pure colonies); (4) Inspection
— observing colony and cellular characteristics; (5) Identification — determining the specific organism. A colony is a visible group of microbes arising from a single
cell. General purpose media grows many types; enriched media contains blood/serum for fastidious bacteria; selective media suppresses some while allowing
others; differential media shows visible differences.
6. Which microscope is most commonly used to show bacterial shape and grouping, and which microscope is used for viruses and cell detail?
A. Electron microscope for shape; Light microscope for viruses
B. Light microscope for shape and grouping; Electron microscope for viruses and cell detail
C. TEM for surface images; SEM for internal structures
D. Both are used interchangeably for all purposes
CORRECT ANSWER B — Light microscope for shape and grouping; Electron microscope for viruses and cell detail
RATIONALE The light microscope is the most commonly used in microbiology — it shows bacterial shape and grouping. The electron microscope is used for visualizing viruses
and detailed cell structures because of its much higher magnification and resolution. TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) shows internal cell structures by
transmitting electrons through thin specimens. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) produces 3D surface images by scanning the specimen surface. Simple stains
show shape and arrangement; differential stains (like Gram stain) reveal more information about cell wall composition.
7. Which structures are found in all bacteria?
A. Flagella, pili, fimbriae, and capsule
B. Cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and nucleoid
C. Endospores, LPS outer membrane, and teichoic acids
D. Nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum
CORRECT ANSWER B — Cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and nucleoid
RATIONALE All bacteria possess: cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes (70S), and a nucleoid (region containing genetic material). Structures NOT found in all bacteria include:
flagella (movement — mono, lopho, amphi, peri arrangements), pili (DNA transfer via conjugation, found in Gram-negative bacteria), fimbriae (adhesion to
surfaces), glycocalyx (sticky outer sugar coating including slime layer and capsule), and endospores (dormant, resistant forms made only by Bacillus and
Clostridium — causing anthrax, tetanus, and botulism). Mycoplasma is unique: bacteria with no cell wall and variable shape.
8. Gram-positive bacteria stain purple because they have:
A. Thin peptidoglycan and an outer membrane with LPS
B. Thick peptidoglycan and teichoic acids that retain the crystal violet stain
C. No peptidoglycan and mycolic acid in their cell wall
D. An outer membrane that prevents the crystal violet from entering
CORRECT ANSWER B — Thick peptidoglycan and teichoic acids that retain the crystal violet stain
RATIONALE Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer with teichoic acids that retain the crystal violet-iodine complex during decolorization, staining purple.
Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer, an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS — an endotoxin), and stain pink because the
outer membrane is weakened during decolorization, allowing the crystal violet to wash out. The capsule is a thick, sticky layer that helps bacteria evade the
immune system. Endospores are dormant, resistant forms. Mycoplasma has no cell wall.
9. Archaea differ from bacteria in that archaea:
A. Contain peptidoglycan and are found only in humans
B. Lack peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments, and some produce methane
C. Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
D. Are acellular and require a host to replicate
CORRECT ANSWER B — Lack peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments, and some produce methane
RATIONALE Archaea are prokaryotic (no nucleus) but differ fundamentally from bacteria: they lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls, live in extreme environments
(hyperthermophiles in volcanoes, psychrophiles in ice caps, halophiles in salt lakes), and methanogens produce methane (found in swamps and landfills).
Bacteria contain peptidoglycan and are found in humans and nature. Both archaea and bacteria are prokaryotic — they lack membrane-bound organelles and a
nucleus. Option C describes eukaryotes. Option D describes viruses.
