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 identifies the products of cell respiration?

A. Water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen
B. Glucose and oxygen
C. Water, carbon dioxide, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
D. Water, glucose, and oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Water, carbon dioxide, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).' During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce water, carbon dioxide, and ATP. Choice A is incorrect as oxygen is not a product of cell respiration but a reactant. Choice B is incorrect as it lists glucose and oxygen, which are actually reactants in the process. Choice D is incorrect as glucose is not a product of cell respiration but a substrate that is broken down to release energy.

3. Which of the following provides support and shape to the cell?

A. Microtubules
B. Microfilaments
C. Cilia
D. Microvilli

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Microtubules are fundamental components of the cytoskeleton in a cell, playing a crucial role in providing structural support and maintaining the cell's shape. They are composed of tubulin protein subunits and are involved in various cellular processes like cell division, intracellular transport, and cell motility. Microfilaments, on the other hand, are involved in cell movement and maintaining cell shape but are not primarily responsible for supporting the cell's overall structure. Cilia and microvilli are cellular projections that aid in movement and absorption, respectively, but they do not play a significant role in providing structural support to the cell.

4. At the beginning of meiosis, how many chromosomes does the diploid parent cell have?

A. 23
B. 24
C. 46
D. 54

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 46. At the start of meiosis, the diploid parent cell contains 46 chromosomes. During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved, resulting in each gamete having 23 chromosomes. Choice A (23) is incorrect because that is the number of chromosomes in a human gamete, not the parent cell. Choice B (24) and Choice D (54) are also incorrect as they do not reflect the correct number of chromosomes in a diploid parent cell at the beginning of meiosis.

5. What must first occur before a cell can be divided to grow, develop, and reproduce organisms?

A. RNA replication
B. DNA replication
C. Gene replication
D. Chromosome replication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: DNA replication. Before a cell can divide to grow, develop, and reproduce organisms, DNA replication must occur. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while RNA, genes, and chromosomes are essential components of cell division, DNA replication is the specific process that must first occur to ensure accurate transmission of genetic material.