how do rna and dna derive their names

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology 2024

1. From which component do RNA and DNA derive their names?

A. From the sugar each contains
B. From the structure of their nucleotides
C. From the information they transfer
D. From their formative processes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: RNA and DNA derive their names from the sugar each contains. RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid, with 'ribo' indicating the ribose sugar in its structure. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, with 'deoxyribo' referring to the deoxyribose sugar in its structure. The sugars in RNA and DNA molecules distinguish them and are the basis for their names. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately explain how RNA and DNA derive their names.

2. How should a researcher test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones is significant enough to raise the temperature of water in a test tube?

A. Dial a cell phone that rests beside a test tube of water, let it ring for two minutes, and record the temperature of the water before and after the two-minute interval.
B. Dial a cell phone that rests beside a test tube of water; let it ring for two, three, and four minutes; and record the temperature of the water before and after each interval.
C. Use three different brands of cell phone; dial each as it rests beside its own test tube of water, let it ring for two minutes, and record the temperature of the water before and after the two-minute interval.
D. Use three different brands of cell phone, dial each and let one ring for two minutes, one for three minutes, and one for four minutes; record the temperature of the water before and after each interval.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones raises the temperature of water in a test tube, the most appropriate method is to dial a cell phone next to a test tube of water, let it ring for a consistent two-minute interval, and record the temperature before and after. Choice A is correct because it provides a controlled approach to isolate the impact of the phone's radiation on the water temperature. Choices B, C, and D introduce additional variables that could confound the results. Choice B varies the duration of exposure, making it difficult to attribute temperature changes specifically to the radiation. Choice C introduces the factor of different cell phone brands, which could introduce variability not related to radiation. Choice D also varies exposure times and introduces the factor of multiple phone brands, making it harder to determine the direct impact of cell phone radiation on water temperature. Therefore, choice A is the most suitable option for this experiment.

3. Which of the following describes how a bacterium reproduces?

A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Binary fission
D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bacteria reproduce through a process called 'binary fission.' During binary fission, a bacterium duplicates its DNA and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This method is the primary way bacteria replicate. Choice A, 'Mitosis,' is incorrect because mitosis is a process specific to eukaryotic cells, where the nucleus divides to produce two identical nuclei. Choice B, 'Meiosis,' is incorrect as meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. Choice D, 'Cytokinesis,' is not the correct answer as cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which occurs after the genetic material has been divided in mitosis or meiosis.

4. Which statement regarding energy content is true?

A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
B. Primary consumers < producers
C. Producers > secondary consumers
D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.

5. What process do cells in the tip of a plant’s root undergo to increase in number?

A. Meiosis
B. Cytokinesis
C. Fractioning
D. Mitosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cells in the tip of a plant's root undergo the process of mitosis to increase in number. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This process allows for growth and maintenance of tissues in plants by producing new cells through division. Choice A, Meiosis, is incorrect as meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in cells to produce gametes. Choice B, Cytokinesis, is incorrect as it is the division of the cytoplasm following cell division. Choice C, Fractioning, is not a biological process related to cell division.