in order from lower to upper the layers of the atmosphere are

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

1. In order, from lower to upper, the layers of the atmosphere are:

A. Exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
B. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
C. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
D. Thermosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, exosphere

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of the layers of the atmosphere, from lower to upper, is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer where weather phenomena occur. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere is where most meteorites burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. The thermosphere is characterized by high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation. The exosphere is the outermost layer where the atmosphere transitions into space. Therefore, option B is the correct sequence, as it reflects the ascending order of the Earth's atmospheric layers.

2. Why is DNA important for the metabolic activities of the cell?

A. It initiates cellular mitosis.
B. It provides cell wall stability.
C. It increases glucose absorption.
D. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: DNA is important for the metabolic activities of the cell because it controls the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are essential for catalyzing metabolic reactions in the cell. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because DNA is not directly involved in cellular mitosis, cell wall stability, or glucose absorption.

3. 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.

4. Which organism reproduces via binary fission?

A. Mushroom
B. Blue whale
C. Rainbow trout
D. Salmonella

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Salmonella. Salmonella bacterium reproduces via binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction where the cell divides into two daughter cells with identical genetic material. This process is common among bacteria and single-celled organisms. Mushrooms reproduce through spores, blue whales and rainbow trout reproduce sexually, involving the fusion of male and female gametes. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reproduce through binary fission.

5. During which phase is the chromosome number reduced from diploid to haploid?

A. S phase
B. interphase
C. mitosis
D. meiosis I

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'meiosis I.' During meiosis I, the chromosome number is reduced from diploid to haploid through two rounds of division. Choice A ('S phase') is incorrect as the S phase is part of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated. Choice B ('interphase') is also incorrect as interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division. Choice C ('mitosis') is incorrect as mitosis is a process where a diploid cell divides to produce two identical diploid daughter cells, maintaining the chromosome number.