LANIF • 101 DOIB
★ ★
Portage Learning
P College of Online Education
KNOWLEDGE · SCIENCE · INTEGRITY
EST. 2014
BIOD 101 Final Examination
CO M P R E H E N S I V E B I O LO G Y A S S E S S M E N T — B I O C H E M I S T R Y, C E L L S & TA X O N O M Y
INSTITUTION Portage Learning COURSE CODE BIOD 101
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) / ACADEMIC YEAR
Pre-Health
EXAM TITLE Final Exam — Comprehensive TOTAL QUESTIONS 99 Questions
COURSE TITLE General Biology I FORMAT Multiple Choice / Short Answer — Select
the Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question.
▸ This comprehensive final covers nucleic acids, biomacromolecules, cell biology, taxonomy, and ecology.
▸ Questions are derived from the most frequently tested concepts in BIOD 101.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales are provided for comprehensive review.
SECTION I — BIOCHEMISTRY, CELL BIOLOGY, TAXONOMY & ECOLOGY Questions 1 – 99
1. Name the three parts of a nucleic acid nucleotide.
A. Amino acid, carboxyl group, R group.
B. Sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base.
C. Glycerol, fatty acid, phosphate.
D. Glucose, fructose, galactose.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base.
RATIONALE Every nucleic acid nucleotide consists of three components: a pentose sugar (deoxyribose in DNA or ribose in
RNA), a phosphate group (which links nucleotides together via phosphodiester bonds to form the sugar-
phosphate backbone), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine in DNA; uracil replaces
thymine in RNA). These three parts are the fundamental building blocks of both DNA and RNA.
,2. What are the particular types of each of these that are found in DNA, and what are the corresponding types that are
found in RNA?
A. DNA: Glucose; RNA: Fructose.
B. DNA: Deoxyribose, phosphate group, adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine; RNA: Ribose, phosphate group,
adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
C. DNA: Amino acids; RNA: Fatty acids.
D. DNA: Cholesterol; RNA: Triglycerides.
CORRECT ANSWER B — DNA: Deoxyribose, phosphate group, adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine; RNA: Ribose,
phosphate group, adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
RATIONALE DNA uses deoxyribose as its sugar and the nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and
thymine (T). RNA uses ribose as its sugar and substitutes uracil (U) for thymine. Both share the same
phosphate group structure. The sugar difference (deoxyribose lacks a 2'-OH group) contributes to DNA's
greater stability compared to RNA.
3. What are the four major differences between DNA and RNA?
A. DNA is single-stranded; RNA is double-stranded; DNA has uracil; RNA has thymine; DNA uses ribose; RNA uses
deoxyribose; both carry out protein synthesis.
B. DNA contains deoxyribose; RNA contains ribose; DNA uses thymine; RNA uses uracil; DNA is double-stranded helix;
RNA is single-stranded; DNA stores genetic information; RNA carries out protein synthesis.
C. DNA and RNA are identical in all respects except color.
D. DNA is found only in the cytoplasm; RNA is found only in the nucleus.
CORRECT ANSWER B — DNA contains deoxyribose; RNA contains ribose; DNA uses thymine; RNA uses uracil; DNA is
double-stranded helix; RNA is single-stranded; DNA stores genetic information; RNA carries out protein
synthesis.
RATIONALE Four key differences: (1) Sugar: DNA has deoxyribose (missing 2'-OH); RNA has ribose. (2) Pyrimidine base:
DNA has thymine; RNA has uracil. (3) Strandedness: DNA is a double-stranded helix; RNA is typically single-
stranded. (4) Function: DNA stores and transmits genetic information; RNA executes protein synthesis (mRNA
carries code, tRNA brings amino acids, rRNA forms ribosomes).
4. DNA is often described as a coiled ladder. In this description, what two parts of a DNA nucleotide form the uprights?
What part forms the rungs?
A. Uprights: nitrogenous bases; Rungs: sugar-phosphate backbone.
B. Uprights: sugar-phosphate backbone; Rungs: the nitrogenous bases.
C. Uprights: hydrogen bonds; Rungs: phosphate groups.
D. Uprights: ribose sugar; Rungs: deoxyribose sugar.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Uprights: sugar-phosphate backbone; Rungs: the nitrogenous bases.
RATIONALE In the double helix model, the two "uprights" (rails) of the ladder are formed by alternating sugar
(deoxyribose) and phosphate groups linked by covalent phosphodiester bonds — the sugar-phosphate
backbone. The "rungs" are pairs of nitrogenous bases (A=T and G≡C) held together by hydrogen bonds in the
interior of the helix. The two strands run antiparallel (5'→3' and 3'→5').
,5. Explain the two differences between hydrolysis and dehydration condensation.
A. Both processes produce water and require energy.
B. Dehydration condensation builds polymers by removing water and using energy; hydrolysis breaks polymers by
adding water and releases energy.
C. Hydrolysis builds polymers; dehydration condensation breaks polymers.
D. Both are the same process occurring at different temperatures.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Dehydration condensation builds polymers by removing water and using energy; hydrolysis
breaks polymers by adding water and releases energy.
RATIONALE These are opposite reactions: (1) Dehydration condensation (synthesis): joins monomer building blocks into
biomacromolecules; a water molecule is REMOVED (lost) at each bond formed; energy is USED (endergonic).
(2) Hydrolysis (degradation): breaks biomacromolecules into monomers; a water molecule is ADDED to break
each bond; energy is RELEASED (exergonic). These processes govern the formation and breakdown of all four
classes of biomacromolecules.
6. Glucose is classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A lipid.
B. A carbohydrate; used as fuel, referred to as blood sugar in humans and animals.
C. A nucleic acid.
D. A protein.
CORRECT ANSWER B — A carbohydrate; used as fuel, referred to as blood sugar in humans and animals.
RATIONALE Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is a monosaccharide — the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is the primary fuel for cellular
respiration and is referred to as blood sugar. It is transported in the blood and taken up by cells via insulin-
facilitated transport. Glucose is the building block of more complex carbohydrates (starch, glycogen,
cellulose).
7. Starch is classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A lipid storage form.
B. A carbohydrate; the form in which plants store glucose.
C. A structural protein.
D. A nucleic acid polymer.
CORRECT ANSWER B — A carbohydrate; the form in which plants store glucose.
RATIONALE Starch is a polysaccharide — a polymer of glucose monomers joined by alpha-glycosidic linkages. It is the
primary storage carbohydrate in plants (found in potatoes, rice, corn). It consists of amylose (unbranched)
and amylopectin (branched). Animals store glucose as glycogen, not starch. Starch is digestible by humans;
cellulose (also a glucose polymer) is not.
, 8. Cellulose is classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A lipid component of cell membranes.
B. Carbohydrate component of plant cell walls; indigestible fiber.
C. A protein enzyme.
D. A nucleic acid.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Carbohydrate component of plant cell walls; indigestible fiber.
RATIONALE Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers linked by beta-glycosidic bonds. It is the
primary structural component of plant cell walls. Humans lack the enzyme cellulase to break beta-linkages,
making cellulose indigestible dietary fiber. Ruminants and termites have symbiotic microorganisms that
produce cellulase. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth.
9. Triglycerides are classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A carbohydrate.
B. A lipid; the major form of fuel storage that, when broken down, produces twice as much energy per gram as
carbohydrates.
C. A nucleic acid.
D. A protein.
CORRECT ANSWER B — A lipid; the major form of fuel storage that, when broken down, produces twice as much energy
per gram as carbohydrates.
RATIONALE Triglycerides (triacylglycerols) consist of one glycerol molecule esterified to three fatty acid chains. They are
the body's primary long-term energy storage form, stored in adipose tissue. Lipids yield approximately 9
kcal/g when oxidized, compared to 4 kcal/g for carbohydrates — more than twice the energy density. This
makes triglycerides the most efficient fuel storage molecule.
10. Phospholipids are classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A carbohydrate.
B. Lipid; the major constituent of cell membranes.
C. A nucleic acid.
D. A protein.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Lipid; the major constituent of cell membranes.
RATIONALE Phospholipids are amphipathic lipids — they have a hydrophilic (polar) phosphate head and two hydrophobic
(nonpolar) fatty acid tails. This property allows them to form the phospholipid bilayer, the fundamental
structure of all cell membranes. The bilayer provides selective permeability. Phospholipids are structurally
similar to triglycerides but have a phosphate group replacing one fatty acid.
★ ★
Portage Learning
P College of Online Education
KNOWLEDGE · SCIENCE · INTEGRITY
EST. 2014
BIOD 101 Final Examination
CO M P R E H E N S I V E B I O LO G Y A S S E S S M E N T — B I O C H E M I S T R Y, C E L L S & TA X O N O M Y
INSTITUTION Portage Learning COURSE CODE BIOD 101
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) / ACADEMIC YEAR
Pre-Health
EXAM TITLE Final Exam — Comprehensive TOTAL QUESTIONS 99 Questions
COURSE TITLE General Biology I FORMAT Multiple Choice / Short Answer — Select
the Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question.
▸ This comprehensive final covers nucleic acids, biomacromolecules, cell biology, taxonomy, and ecology.
▸ Questions are derived from the most frequently tested concepts in BIOD 101.
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales are provided for comprehensive review.
SECTION I — BIOCHEMISTRY, CELL BIOLOGY, TAXONOMY & ECOLOGY Questions 1 – 99
1. Name the three parts of a nucleic acid nucleotide.
A. Amino acid, carboxyl group, R group.
B. Sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base.
C. Glycerol, fatty acid, phosphate.
D. Glucose, fructose, galactose.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base.
RATIONALE Every nucleic acid nucleotide consists of three components: a pentose sugar (deoxyribose in DNA or ribose in
RNA), a phosphate group (which links nucleotides together via phosphodiester bonds to form the sugar-
phosphate backbone), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine in DNA; uracil replaces
thymine in RNA). These three parts are the fundamental building blocks of both DNA and RNA.
,2. What are the particular types of each of these that are found in DNA, and what are the corresponding types that are
found in RNA?
A. DNA: Glucose; RNA: Fructose.
B. DNA: Deoxyribose, phosphate group, adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine; RNA: Ribose, phosphate group,
adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
C. DNA: Amino acids; RNA: Fatty acids.
D. DNA: Cholesterol; RNA: Triglycerides.
CORRECT ANSWER B — DNA: Deoxyribose, phosphate group, adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine; RNA: Ribose,
phosphate group, adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
RATIONALE DNA uses deoxyribose as its sugar and the nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and
thymine (T). RNA uses ribose as its sugar and substitutes uracil (U) for thymine. Both share the same
phosphate group structure. The sugar difference (deoxyribose lacks a 2'-OH group) contributes to DNA's
greater stability compared to RNA.
3. What are the four major differences between DNA and RNA?
A. DNA is single-stranded; RNA is double-stranded; DNA has uracil; RNA has thymine; DNA uses ribose; RNA uses
deoxyribose; both carry out protein synthesis.
B. DNA contains deoxyribose; RNA contains ribose; DNA uses thymine; RNA uses uracil; DNA is double-stranded helix;
RNA is single-stranded; DNA stores genetic information; RNA carries out protein synthesis.
C. DNA and RNA are identical in all respects except color.
D. DNA is found only in the cytoplasm; RNA is found only in the nucleus.
CORRECT ANSWER B — DNA contains deoxyribose; RNA contains ribose; DNA uses thymine; RNA uses uracil; DNA is
double-stranded helix; RNA is single-stranded; DNA stores genetic information; RNA carries out protein
synthesis.
RATIONALE Four key differences: (1) Sugar: DNA has deoxyribose (missing 2'-OH); RNA has ribose. (2) Pyrimidine base:
DNA has thymine; RNA has uracil. (3) Strandedness: DNA is a double-stranded helix; RNA is typically single-
stranded. (4) Function: DNA stores and transmits genetic information; RNA executes protein synthesis (mRNA
carries code, tRNA brings amino acids, rRNA forms ribosomes).
4. DNA is often described as a coiled ladder. In this description, what two parts of a DNA nucleotide form the uprights?
What part forms the rungs?
A. Uprights: nitrogenous bases; Rungs: sugar-phosphate backbone.
B. Uprights: sugar-phosphate backbone; Rungs: the nitrogenous bases.
C. Uprights: hydrogen bonds; Rungs: phosphate groups.
D. Uprights: ribose sugar; Rungs: deoxyribose sugar.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Uprights: sugar-phosphate backbone; Rungs: the nitrogenous bases.
RATIONALE In the double helix model, the two "uprights" (rails) of the ladder are formed by alternating sugar
(deoxyribose) and phosphate groups linked by covalent phosphodiester bonds — the sugar-phosphate
backbone. The "rungs" are pairs of nitrogenous bases (A=T and G≡C) held together by hydrogen bonds in the
interior of the helix. The two strands run antiparallel (5'→3' and 3'→5').
,5. Explain the two differences between hydrolysis and dehydration condensation.
A. Both processes produce water and require energy.
B. Dehydration condensation builds polymers by removing water and using energy; hydrolysis breaks polymers by
adding water and releases energy.
C. Hydrolysis builds polymers; dehydration condensation breaks polymers.
D. Both are the same process occurring at different temperatures.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Dehydration condensation builds polymers by removing water and using energy; hydrolysis
breaks polymers by adding water and releases energy.
RATIONALE These are opposite reactions: (1) Dehydration condensation (synthesis): joins monomer building blocks into
biomacromolecules; a water molecule is REMOVED (lost) at each bond formed; energy is USED (endergonic).
(2) Hydrolysis (degradation): breaks biomacromolecules into monomers; a water molecule is ADDED to break
each bond; energy is RELEASED (exergonic). These processes govern the formation and breakdown of all four
classes of biomacromolecules.
6. Glucose is classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A lipid.
B. A carbohydrate; used as fuel, referred to as blood sugar in humans and animals.
C. A nucleic acid.
D. A protein.
CORRECT ANSWER B — A carbohydrate; used as fuel, referred to as blood sugar in humans and animals.
RATIONALE Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is a monosaccharide — the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is the primary fuel for cellular
respiration and is referred to as blood sugar. It is transported in the blood and taken up by cells via insulin-
facilitated transport. Glucose is the building block of more complex carbohydrates (starch, glycogen,
cellulose).
7. Starch is classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A lipid storage form.
B. A carbohydrate; the form in which plants store glucose.
C. A structural protein.
D. A nucleic acid polymer.
CORRECT ANSWER B — A carbohydrate; the form in which plants store glucose.
RATIONALE Starch is a polysaccharide — a polymer of glucose monomers joined by alpha-glycosidic linkages. It is the
primary storage carbohydrate in plants (found in potatoes, rice, corn). It consists of amylose (unbranched)
and amylopectin (branched). Animals store glucose as glycogen, not starch. Starch is digestible by humans;
cellulose (also a glucose polymer) is not.
, 8. Cellulose is classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A lipid component of cell membranes.
B. Carbohydrate component of plant cell walls; indigestible fiber.
C. A protein enzyme.
D. A nucleic acid.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Carbohydrate component of plant cell walls; indigestible fiber.
RATIONALE Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers linked by beta-glycosidic bonds. It is the
primary structural component of plant cell walls. Humans lack the enzyme cellulase to break beta-linkages,
making cellulose indigestible dietary fiber. Ruminants and termites have symbiotic microorganisms that
produce cellulase. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth.
9. Triglycerides are classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A carbohydrate.
B. A lipid; the major form of fuel storage that, when broken down, produces twice as much energy per gram as
carbohydrates.
C. A nucleic acid.
D. A protein.
CORRECT ANSWER B — A lipid; the major form of fuel storage that, when broken down, produces twice as much energy
per gram as carbohydrates.
RATIONALE Triglycerides (triacylglycerols) consist of one glycerol molecule esterified to three fatty acid chains. They are
the body's primary long-term energy storage form, stored in adipose tissue. Lipids yield approximately 9
kcal/g when oxidized, compared to 4 kcal/g for carbohydrates — more than twice the energy density. This
makes triglycerides the most efficient fuel storage molecule.
10. Phospholipids are classified as which type of biomolecule?
A. A carbohydrate.
B. Lipid; the major constituent of cell membranes.
C. A nucleic acid.
D. A protein.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Lipid; the major constituent of cell membranes.
RATIONALE Phospholipids are amphipathic lipids — they have a hydrophilic (polar) phosphate head and two hydrophobic
(nonpolar) fatty acid tails. This property allows them to form the phospholipid bilayer, the fundamental
structure of all cell membranes. The bilayer provides selective permeability. Phospholipids are structurally
similar to triglycerides but have a phosphate group replacing one fatty acid.
