Chamberlain University
2&1 KW • 242 SOIB
★ ★
C College of Nursing & Public Health
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 — Weeks 1 & 2 Edapt Assessment
F U N D A M E N TA LS O F M I C R O B I O LO G Y: C E L L ST R U C T U R E , C L A SS I F I C AT I O N & V I R O LO G Y
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE BIOS 242
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
MODULE Weeks 1 & 2 — Cell Structure, Classification & Virology TOTAL QUESTIONS 45 Questions
COURSE TITLE Fundamentals of Microbiology FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each multiple-choice question.
▸ This Weeks 1 & 2 assessment covers pioneers of microbiology, classification of organisms, microscopy, staining, the Five I's, taxonomy, media types, DNA/RNA structure, mutations,
horizontal gene transfer, prokaryotic cell structures, archaea, eukaryotic organelles, mitosis, helminths, viruses, and acellular agents.
▸ Questions are drawn from the complete BIOS 242 Weeks 1 & 2 Edapt content.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question for comprehensive review.
▸ All content reflects Chamberlain University BIOS 242 course competencies and learning objectives.
CELL STRUCTURE, MICROBIAL CLASSIFICATION & VIROLOGY Questions 1 – 45
1. Robert Koch is responsible for developing a series of postulates used to:
A. Classify bacteria by Gram reaction
B. Characterize the causative agent of a disease
C. Develop vaccines against viral pathogens
D. Sterilize surgical instruments
CORRECT ANSWER B — Characterize the causative agent of a disease
RATIONALE Koch's postulates establish a systematic method to prove that a specific microorganism causes a specific disease. The criteria require finding the organism in
every case, isolating it in pure culture, reproducing disease when introduced to a healthy host, and re-isolating the organism.
2. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms whose cell walls contain:
A. Peptidoglycan
B. Cellulose
C. Chitin
D. Lipopolysaccharide
CORRECT ANSWER C — Chitin
RATIONALE Fungi contain membrane-bound organelles and have cell walls made of chitin—the same polymer found in arthropod exoskeletons. Peptidoglycan (A) is unique to
bacteria. Cellulose (B) is found in plants and algae. Lipopolysaccharide (D) is a Gram-negative outer membrane component.
3. Which branch of microbiology monitors and controls the spread of diseases in communities?
A. Medical Microbiology
B. Agricultural Microbiology
C. Industrial Microbiology
D. Public Health Microbiology and Epidemiology
CORRECT ANSWER D — Public Health Microbiology and Epidemiology
RATIONALE Public health microbiology and epidemiology monitor and control disease spread in communities through organizations like the CDC and WHO. Medical
microbiology (A) focuses on disease-causing microbes. Agricultural microbiology (B) studies domesticated plants and animals. Industrial microbiology (C)
safeguards food and water.
4. Prokaryotes are defined as:
A. Multicellular organisms with membrane-bound nuclei
B. Acellular infectious agents made of nucleic acid and protein
C. Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
D. Photosynthetic eukaryotes found in aquatic environments
CORRECT ANSWER C — Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
RATIONALE Prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) are unicellular organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria have peptidoglycan cell walls; archaeal
cell walls lack peptidoglycan. Option A describes eukaryotes. Option B describes viruses. Option D describes algae.
, 5. Algae are classified as:
A. Prokaryotic organisms with peptidoglycan cell walls
B. Plant-like, photosynthetic eukaryotes typically found in aquatic environments
C. Acellular infectious agents
D. Heterotrophic decomposers
CORRECT ANSWER B — Plant-like, photosynthetic eukaryotes typically found in aquatic environments
RATIONALE Algae are eukaryotic, photosynthetic organisms that include both unicellular and multicellular forms. They produce oxygen and are important primary producers.
They are not prokaryotic (A), acellular (C), or heterotrophic decomposers (D—that describes fungi and saprobes).
6. Which of the following are acellular (non-living) pathogens?
A. Bacteria and fungi
B. Protozoa and helminths
C. Viruses and prions
D. Algae and parasites
CORRECT ANSWER C — Viruses and prions
RATIONALE Viruses and prions are acellular infectious agents—they lack cellular organization and are not considered living. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and algae (A,
B, D) are cellular organisms. Viroids are also acellular. Cellular pathogens include parasites, protozoa, fungi, and bacteria.
7. Biofilms are microbial communities that:
A. Float freely in liquid media
B. Attach to solid surfaces and grow into masses cemented by sugars
C. Are always pathogenic and cause systemic infections
D. Are produced only by viruses
CORRECT ANSWER B — Attach to solid surfaces and grow into masses cemented by sugars
RATIONALE Biofilms form on surfaces such as rocks, pipes, teeth, and medical implants. Bacteria attach, accumulate into complex layers, and are cemented by an extracellular
polysaccharide matrix. They are involved in ear, prostate, and lung infections. They are not always pathogenic (C) or produced by viruses (D).
8. Ignaz Semmelweis advocated hand washing to prevent transmission of:
A. Tuberculosis
B. Puerperal fever (childbed fever)
C. Influenza
D. Smallpox
CORRECT ANSWER B — Puerperal fever (childbed fever)
RATIONALE Semmelweis required medical students to wash their hands after performing autopsies and before examining obstetric patients, dramatically reducing puerperal
fever mortality. He is known as the "savior of mothers." His observations preceded the germ theory of disease.
9. In binomial nomenclature, how should scientific names be written?
A. Genus lowercase, species capitalized, both in bold
B. Genus capitalized, species lowercase, both italicized in print or underlined when handwritten
C. Both names capitalized and underlined
D. Only the species name is used with the genus abbreviated
CORRECT ANSWER B — Genus capitalized, species lowercase, both italicized in print or underlined when handwritten
RATIONALE Binomial nomenclature requires: genus name capitalized, species name lowercase, both italicized (print) or underlined (handwritten). Example: Escherichia coli.
The genus can be abbreviated after first use (E. coli). This system was developed by Carl von Linne (Linnaeus).
10. Florence Nightingale is known as the founder of modern nursing who introduced:
A. Koch's postulates
B. Antiseptic techniques that saved lives during the Crimean War
C. The first microscope
D. Vaccination against smallpox
CORRECT ANSWER B — Antiseptic techniques that saved lives during the Crimean War
RATIONALE Nightingale introduced sanitary practices and antiseptic techniques in military hospitals during the Crimean War, dramatically reducing mortality. Option A is
Robert Koch's contribution. Option C is Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's achievement. Option D describes Edward Jenner's work.
11. English physician John Snow mapped cholera cases in London, laying the foundation for:
A. Industrial microbiology
B. Immunology
C. Public health microbiology and epidemiology
D. Environmental microbiology
CORRECT ANSWER C — Public health microbiology and epidemiology
RATIONALE John Snow's cholera investigations in 1854 (identifying the Broad Street pump as the source) are considered the founding event of epidemiology. His mapping of
disease cases established the methodology for tracking disease outbreaks and identifying transmission sources.
2&1 KW • 242 SOIB
★ ★
C College of Nursing & Public Health
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 — Weeks 1 & 2 Edapt Assessment
F U N D A M E N TA LS O F M I C R O B I O LO G Y: C E L L ST R U C T U R E , C L A SS I F I C AT I O N & V I R O LO G Y
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE BIOS 242
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
MODULE Weeks 1 & 2 — Cell Structure, Classification & Virology TOTAL QUESTIONS 45 Questions
COURSE TITLE Fundamentals of Microbiology FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each multiple-choice question.
▸ This Weeks 1 & 2 assessment covers pioneers of microbiology, classification of organisms, microscopy, staining, the Five I's, taxonomy, media types, DNA/RNA structure, mutations,
horizontal gene transfer, prokaryotic cell structures, archaea, eukaryotic organelles, mitosis, helminths, viruses, and acellular agents.
▸ Questions are drawn from the complete BIOS 242 Weeks 1 & 2 Edapt content.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question for comprehensive review.
▸ All content reflects Chamberlain University BIOS 242 course competencies and learning objectives.
CELL STRUCTURE, MICROBIAL CLASSIFICATION & VIROLOGY Questions 1 – 45
1. Robert Koch is responsible for developing a series of postulates used to:
A. Classify bacteria by Gram reaction
B. Characterize the causative agent of a disease
C. Develop vaccines against viral pathogens
D. Sterilize surgical instruments
CORRECT ANSWER B — Characterize the causative agent of a disease
RATIONALE Koch's postulates establish a systematic method to prove that a specific microorganism causes a specific disease. The criteria require finding the organism in
every case, isolating it in pure culture, reproducing disease when introduced to a healthy host, and re-isolating the organism.
2. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms whose cell walls contain:
A. Peptidoglycan
B. Cellulose
C. Chitin
D. Lipopolysaccharide
CORRECT ANSWER C — Chitin
RATIONALE Fungi contain membrane-bound organelles and have cell walls made of chitin—the same polymer found in arthropod exoskeletons. Peptidoglycan (A) is unique to
bacteria. Cellulose (B) is found in plants and algae. Lipopolysaccharide (D) is a Gram-negative outer membrane component.
3. Which branch of microbiology monitors and controls the spread of diseases in communities?
A. Medical Microbiology
B. Agricultural Microbiology
C. Industrial Microbiology
D. Public Health Microbiology and Epidemiology
CORRECT ANSWER D — Public Health Microbiology and Epidemiology
RATIONALE Public health microbiology and epidemiology monitor and control disease spread in communities through organizations like the CDC and WHO. Medical
microbiology (A) focuses on disease-causing microbes. Agricultural microbiology (B) studies domesticated plants and animals. Industrial microbiology (C)
safeguards food and water.
4. Prokaryotes are defined as:
A. Multicellular organisms with membrane-bound nuclei
B. Acellular infectious agents made of nucleic acid and protein
C. Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
D. Photosynthetic eukaryotes found in aquatic environments
CORRECT ANSWER C — Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
RATIONALE Prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) are unicellular organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria have peptidoglycan cell walls; archaeal
cell walls lack peptidoglycan. Option A describes eukaryotes. Option B describes viruses. Option D describes algae.
, 5. Algae are classified as:
A. Prokaryotic organisms with peptidoglycan cell walls
B. Plant-like, photosynthetic eukaryotes typically found in aquatic environments
C. Acellular infectious agents
D. Heterotrophic decomposers
CORRECT ANSWER B — Plant-like, photosynthetic eukaryotes typically found in aquatic environments
RATIONALE Algae are eukaryotic, photosynthetic organisms that include both unicellular and multicellular forms. They produce oxygen and are important primary producers.
They are not prokaryotic (A), acellular (C), or heterotrophic decomposers (D—that describes fungi and saprobes).
6. Which of the following are acellular (non-living) pathogens?
A. Bacteria and fungi
B. Protozoa and helminths
C. Viruses and prions
D. Algae and parasites
CORRECT ANSWER C — Viruses and prions
RATIONALE Viruses and prions are acellular infectious agents—they lack cellular organization and are not considered living. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and algae (A,
B, D) are cellular organisms. Viroids are also acellular. Cellular pathogens include parasites, protozoa, fungi, and bacteria.
7. Biofilms are microbial communities that:
A. Float freely in liquid media
B. Attach to solid surfaces and grow into masses cemented by sugars
C. Are always pathogenic and cause systemic infections
D. Are produced only by viruses
CORRECT ANSWER B — Attach to solid surfaces and grow into masses cemented by sugars
RATIONALE Biofilms form on surfaces such as rocks, pipes, teeth, and medical implants. Bacteria attach, accumulate into complex layers, and are cemented by an extracellular
polysaccharide matrix. They are involved in ear, prostate, and lung infections. They are not always pathogenic (C) or produced by viruses (D).
8. Ignaz Semmelweis advocated hand washing to prevent transmission of:
A. Tuberculosis
B. Puerperal fever (childbed fever)
C. Influenza
D. Smallpox
CORRECT ANSWER B — Puerperal fever (childbed fever)
RATIONALE Semmelweis required medical students to wash their hands after performing autopsies and before examining obstetric patients, dramatically reducing puerperal
fever mortality. He is known as the "savior of mothers." His observations preceded the germ theory of disease.
9. In binomial nomenclature, how should scientific names be written?
A. Genus lowercase, species capitalized, both in bold
B. Genus capitalized, species lowercase, both italicized in print or underlined when handwritten
C. Both names capitalized and underlined
D. Only the species name is used with the genus abbreviated
CORRECT ANSWER B — Genus capitalized, species lowercase, both italicized in print or underlined when handwritten
RATIONALE Binomial nomenclature requires: genus name capitalized, species name lowercase, both italicized (print) or underlined (handwritten). Example: Escherichia coli.
The genus can be abbreviated after first use (E. coli). This system was developed by Carl von Linne (Linnaeus).
10. Florence Nightingale is known as the founder of modern nursing who introduced:
A. Koch's postulates
B. Antiseptic techniques that saved lives during the Crimean War
C. The first microscope
D. Vaccination against smallpox
CORRECT ANSWER B — Antiseptic techniques that saved lives during the Crimean War
RATIONALE Nightingale introduced sanitary practices and antiseptic techniques in military hospitals during the Crimean War, dramatically reducing mortality. Option A is
Robert Koch's contribution. Option C is Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's achievement. Option D describes Edward Jenner's work.
11. English physician John Snow mapped cholera cases in London, laying the foundation for:
A. Industrial microbiology
B. Immunology
C. Public health microbiology and epidemiology
D. Environmental microbiology
CORRECT ANSWER C — Public health microbiology and epidemiology
RATIONALE John Snow's cholera investigations in 1854 (identifying the Broad Street pump as the source) are considered the founding event of epidemiology. His mapping of
disease cases established the methodology for tracking disease outbreaks and identifying transmission sources.
