BIOD 171 FINAL EXAM STUDY 2026
Questions and Answers
Microbiology is the study of what? - Correct answer-Microbiology is the study of
microbes (microorganisms and viruses) and their biological processes.
What is the smallest biological unit of life - Correct answer-cell
What is a macromolecule? - Correct answer-A macromolecule is classified as a
complex molecule that is composed from smaller subunits.
What are the four main types of macromolecules? - Correct answer-Proteins,
nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates
What various functions do proteins have in a cell - Correct answer-Proteins may
facilitate the movement of materials in or out of a cell. Some can act as enzymes
that catalyze, or speed up, biochemical processes. Others play a structural role
while other proteins, such as filaments, enable movement.
What are the two major types of nucleic acids and their roles? - Correct answer-
There are two major types of nucleic acids: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and
RNA (ribonucleic acid). Nucleic acids are chemical molecules that carry genetic
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,information within the cell. 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.
What is the plasma membrane, and what is it made up of? - Correct answer-The
plasma membrane serves the cell as a surrounding barrier that separates the inside
of the cell from the outside surrounding environment. The plasma membrane also
restricts the movement of materials (water, nutrients, etc) either in or out of the
cell, thus allowing a cells to absorb and keep what is needed (influx) while also
preventing the escape (out flux) of essential nutrients. The plasma membrane is
composed of lipids (hydrophobic hydrocarbons).
What are the three main components of carbohydrates? - Correct answer-
Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Examples
would include, C6H12O6 (glucose) C12H22O11 (sucrose) and C6H10O5
(cellulose).
What is the primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? - Correct
answer-Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, a membrane enclosed region within the
cell that contains the genetic material. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus and
can be further classified as either Bacteria or Archaea.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, What are the main morphologies of bacteria? - Correct answer-Bacteria can be
described as coccus (round/spherical), bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod) or
spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).
Which group (classification) of microbes is noted for its ability to survive under
harsh conditions? - Correct answer-Archaea. They are able to survive in extremely
harsh environmental conditions such as high salt levels, acid conditions, high
temperatures and oxygen-poor conditions.
What are the four main classifications of Eukarya? - Correct answer-Eukaryotic
microorganisms are classified as either belonging to Animalia, Plantae, Fungi or
Protista.
Can viruses be classified as either prokaryotic or eukaryotic? - Correct answer-No.
Viruses are considered neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic. Viruses are not
considered living and do not replicate on their own, meaning they must replicate
within a host.
The lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane is composed of what? - Correct answer-
The cell membrane is a bilayer composed primarily of amphipathic phospholipids,
meaning they contain a polar hydrophilic (water loving) head group and a non-
polar hydrophobic (water fearing) tail region. The lipid bilayer is situated in such a
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
Questions and Answers
Microbiology is the study of what? - Correct answer-Microbiology is the study of
microbes (microorganisms and viruses) and their biological processes.
What is the smallest biological unit of life - Correct answer-cell
What is a macromolecule? - Correct answer-A macromolecule is classified as a
complex molecule that is composed from smaller subunits.
What are the four main types of macromolecules? - Correct answer-Proteins,
nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates
What various functions do proteins have in a cell - Correct answer-Proteins may
facilitate the movement of materials in or out of a cell. Some can act as enzymes
that catalyze, or speed up, biochemical processes. Others play a structural role
while other proteins, such as filaments, enable movement.
What are the two major types of nucleic acids and their roles? - Correct answer-
There are two major types of nucleic acids: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and
RNA (ribonucleic acid). Nucleic acids are chemical molecules that carry genetic
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,information within the cell. 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.
What is the plasma membrane, and what is it made up of? - Correct answer-The
plasma membrane serves the cell as a surrounding barrier that separates the inside
of the cell from the outside surrounding environment. The plasma membrane also
restricts the movement of materials (water, nutrients, etc) either in or out of the
cell, thus allowing a cells to absorb and keep what is needed (influx) while also
preventing the escape (out flux) of essential nutrients. The plasma membrane is
composed of lipids (hydrophobic hydrocarbons).
What are the three main components of carbohydrates? - Correct answer-
Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Examples
would include, C6H12O6 (glucose) C12H22O11 (sucrose) and C6H10O5
(cellulose).
What is the primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? - Correct
answer-Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, a membrane enclosed region within the
cell that contains the genetic material. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus and
can be further classified as either Bacteria or Archaea.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, What are the main morphologies of bacteria? - Correct answer-Bacteria can be
described as coccus (round/spherical), bacillus (rod), vibrio (curved rod) or
spirillum (spiral/corkscrew).
Which group (classification) of microbes is noted for its ability to survive under
harsh conditions? - Correct answer-Archaea. They are able to survive in extremely
harsh environmental conditions such as high salt levels, acid conditions, high
temperatures and oxygen-poor conditions.
What are the four main classifications of Eukarya? - Correct answer-Eukaryotic
microorganisms are classified as either belonging to Animalia, Plantae, Fungi or
Protista.
Can viruses be classified as either prokaryotic or eukaryotic? - Correct answer-No.
Viruses are considered neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic. Viruses are not
considered living and do not replicate on their own, meaning they must replicate
within a host.
The lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane is composed of what? - Correct answer-
The cell membrane is a bilayer composed primarily of amphipathic phospholipids,
meaning they contain a polar hydrophilic (water loving) head group and a non-
polar hydrophobic (water fearing) tail region. The lipid bilayer is situated in such a
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
