Portage Learning Bio 171 module 1 exam
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.
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.
