PORTAGE LEARNING
BIOLOGY 171
BIO 171 / BIO171
MODULE 1
EXAM 1
1. True or False: A virus is considered a microorganism. False. Viruses are not living and as
such are not considered microorganisms. Viruses can, however, be classified as microbes, a
more general term that includes microorganisms and viruses.
2. What is the smallest biological unit of life? A cell.
3. At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what? Macromolecules* *A student may
also answer: Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic acids and Polysaccharides but they must answer
with all four to be fully correct.
1. How many different types of amino acids are available from which to make proteins? 20
2. Define an essential amino acid. An essential amino acid cannot be produced by the
human body and as such must be take in from the environment through alternative
sources (i.e) food.
2. Where can the two major types of nucleic acids be found in the cell and what are their roles?
While both DNA and RNA can be found in the nucleus (center of the cell), only RNA is
capable of leaving the nucleus. DNA contains a vast amount of hereditary information and is
responsible for the inheritable characteristics of living organisms. RNA is responsible for
deciphering the hereditary information in DNA and using it to synthesize proteins.
1. Complete the following DNA strand and indicate how many bonds are formed for each
complementary pair:
3’ GGTCATCG 5’
5’ CC AGC 3’
3’ GGTCATCG 5’
5’ CCAGTAGC 3’
There are 2 bonds formed between A and T, and 3 bonds between G and C.
1. The plasma membrane (select all that are true):
A. Restricts movement of materials in and out of the cell
B. Is often a triple layer comprised of lipids
C. Prevents essential nutrients from escaping
D. Contains hydrophobic tails pointing outward
A and C
, 2. How many carbon atoms are present in the monosaccharide glucose?
A. 1
B. 3
C. 6
D. 12
C. The molecular formula of Glucose is C6H12O6
True of False: The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is contained within a membrane-
enclosed region. False. Only eukaryotic cells contain its genetic material within a nucleus
True or False: Prokaryotic cells can be subdivided into Bacteria and Archaea. True
Describe the 4 basic bacterial morphologies. Coccus (round/spherical), bacillus (rod), vibrio
(curved rod) or spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).
True or False: Archaea is noted for its ability to survive under harsh conditions.
True. Archaea can often be found in harsh conditions such as high salt levels, high acid
conditions, high temperatures and even oxygen-poor conditions.
1. Which of the following microorganisms are considered to be Eukarya? Select all that apply.
A. Animalia
B. Plantae
C. Fungi
D. Protista
A,B,C,D
2. True of False: All multicellular microorganisms classified as Animalia are heterotropic. True
3. Microorganisms classified as Plantae obtain most of their energy by converting energy into
energy. Light (sunlight); chemical (sugars)
1. A defining characteristic of fungi is the presence of chitin in the cell walls. Which of following
also contain chitin? Select all that apply.
BIOLOGY 171
BIO 171 / BIO171
MODULE 1
EXAM 1
1. True or False: A virus is considered a microorganism. False. Viruses are not living and as
such are not considered microorganisms. Viruses can, however, be classified as microbes, a
more general term that includes microorganisms and viruses.
2. What is the smallest biological unit of life? A cell.
3. At a generalized level, all cells are comprised of what? Macromolecules* *A student may
also answer: Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic acids and Polysaccharides but they must answer
with all four to be fully correct.
1. How many different types of amino acids are available from which to make proteins? 20
2. Define an essential amino acid. An essential amino acid cannot be produced by the
human body and as such must be take in from the environment through alternative
sources (i.e) food.
2. Where can the two major types of nucleic acids be found in the cell and what are their roles?
While both DNA and RNA can be found in the nucleus (center of the cell), only RNA is
capable of leaving the nucleus. DNA contains a vast amount of hereditary information and is
responsible for the inheritable characteristics of living organisms. RNA is responsible for
deciphering the hereditary information in DNA and using it to synthesize proteins.
1. Complete the following DNA strand and indicate how many bonds are formed for each
complementary pair:
3’ GGTCATCG 5’
5’ CC AGC 3’
3’ GGTCATCG 5’
5’ CCAGTAGC 3’
There are 2 bonds formed between A and T, and 3 bonds between G and C.
1. The plasma membrane (select all that are true):
A. Restricts movement of materials in and out of the cell
B. Is often a triple layer comprised of lipids
C. Prevents essential nutrients from escaping
D. Contains hydrophobic tails pointing outward
A and C
, 2. How many carbon atoms are present in the monosaccharide glucose?
A. 1
B. 3
C. 6
D. 12
C. The molecular formula of Glucose is C6H12O6
True of False: The genetic material within a prokaryotic cell is contained within a membrane-
enclosed region. False. Only eukaryotic cells contain its genetic material within a nucleus
True or False: Prokaryotic cells can be subdivided into Bacteria and Archaea. True
Describe the 4 basic bacterial morphologies. Coccus (round/spherical), bacillus (rod), vibrio
(curved rod) or spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).
True or False: Archaea is noted for its ability to survive under harsh conditions.
True. Archaea can often be found in harsh conditions such as high salt levels, high acid
conditions, high temperatures and even oxygen-poor conditions.
1. Which of the following microorganisms are considered to be Eukarya? Select all that apply.
A. Animalia
B. Plantae
C. Fungi
D. Protista
A,B,C,D
2. True of False: All multicellular microorganisms classified as Animalia are heterotropic. True
3. Microorganisms classified as Plantae obtain most of their energy by converting energy into
energy. Light (sunlight); chemical (sugars)
1. A defining characteristic of fungi is the presence of chitin in the cell walls. Which of following
also contain chitin? Select all that apply.
