protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription where does this process occur

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. Where does this process occur?

A. In the cytoplasm
B. In the nuclear envelope
C. In the ribosome unit
D. In the nucleus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: In the nucleus. Transcription, the initial step of protein synthesis, takes place in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where translation occurs on the ribosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transcription specifically occurs in the nucleus, not in the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, or ribosome unit.

2. Which of the following options is the term used to represent alternative versions of a gene?

A. Alleles
B. Binary fission
C. Heterozygous
D. Homozygous

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alleles. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. They represent variations in a gene's DNA sequence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms, while heterozygous and homozygous refer to different combinations of alleles in an individual, not the alternative versions of a gene.

3. What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

A. RNA has an extra Phosphate group
B. DNA has one less oxygen than RNA
C. RNA has one less oxygen than DNA
D. DNA has an extra sugar molecule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. DNA has one less oxygen atom in its sugar molecule (deoxyribose) compared to RNA, which has a ribose sugar. Choice A is incorrect because RNA does not have an extra phosphate group. Choice C is incorrect as RNA actually has one more oxygen atom than DNA. Choice D is incorrect as DNA and RNA have different sugar molecules, with DNA having deoxyribose and RNA having ribose.

4. Which of the following describes the set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products?

A. Cellular respiration
B. Meiosis
C. Photosynthesis
D. Mitosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process in cells that converts biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP and releases waste products. This process occurs in the mitochondria of the cell. Choice B, Meiosis, is a type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. Choice C, Photosynthesis, is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose. Choice D, Mitosis, is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells with identical sets of chromosomes as the parent cell.

5. Why does ice have the capability of floating on water?

A. It has a higher viscosity
B. It has a different chemical composition
C. It has a high specific heat
D. It forms a lattice when freezing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Ice forms a lattice structure when it freezes, which makes it less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float. Choice A is incorrect because viscosity refers to a fluid's resistance to flow and is not related to ice floating. Choice B is incorrect as ice and liquid water have the same chemical composition (H2O). Choice C is incorrect because the high specific heat of water is not the reason why ice floats.