the smallest and most basic unit of matter is the

HESI RN

Biology Test

1. What is the smallest and most basic unit of matter?

A. Micromolecule
B. Atom
C. Organelle
D. Molecule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Atom. An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. Choice A, Micromolecule, is incorrect because molecules are composed of atoms bonded together, making them larger than individual atoms. Choice C, Organelle, is incorrect as organelles are structures within cells, not the basic unit of matter. Choice D, Molecule, is incorrect as molecules are made up of atoms bonded together, so they are not the smallest unit of matter.

2. What is considered the main objective of the translation stage of protein synthesis?

A. To produce amino acids
B. To produce nucleotides
C. To produce fatty acids
D. To produce nucleic acids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To produce amino acids. During the translation stage of protein synthesis, the mRNA is decoded to assemble a specific sequence of amino acids. These amino acids then fold into a functional protein. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the translation stage specifically deals with the production of amino acids, not nucleotides, fatty acids, or nucleic acids.

3. The cellular membrane contributes to all except which of the following?

A. Cell energy production
B. Cell permeability
C. Cell communication
D. Cell protection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is involved in regulating cell permeability, communication, and protection. However, it is not directly involved in energy production. Choice A is the correct answer because the cellular membrane does not produce energy; instead, it regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cell. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the cell membrane plays key roles in controlling what enters and exits the cell, facilitating communication between cells, and providing structural support and protection to the cell.

4. During which stage of mitosis do the chromosomes gather on either side of the separating cell?

A. Metaphase
B. Telophase
C. Anaphase
D. Prophase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Telophase. During telophase, the chromosomes gather at opposite poles of the cell as the nuclear envelopes start to form around them, indicating the end of cell division. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because during metaphase, the chromosomes align in the middle of the cell; in anaphase, the chromosomes separate and move towards opposite poles; and in prophase, the chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down, respectively.

5. Which of the following options correctly lists biology's hierarchical organizational system?

A. Phylum, Kingdom, Class, Family, Order, Species, Genus
B. Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
C. Genus, Order, Kingdom, Class, Phylum, Species, Family
D. Class, Phylum, Kingdom, Genus, Order, Family, Species

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct hierarchical organizational system in biology is Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. This follows the mnemonic 'King Phillip Came Over For Good Soup.' Choice A is incorrect as it does not follow the correct hierarchical order. Choice C is incorrect as it starts with Genus, which is more specific and should come after Family. Choice D is incorrect as it does not follow the correct hierarchical order.