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 are the two primary products of photosynthesis?

A. Sugar and oxygen
B. Sugar and carbon dioxide
C. Oxygen and nitrogen
D. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sugar and oxygen. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen using sunlight. Choice B, 'Sugar and carbon dioxide,' is incorrect because carbon dioxide is one of the reactants, not a product. Choice C, 'Oxygen and nitrogen,' is incorrect as nitrogen is not a direct product of photosynthesis. Choice D, 'Nitrogen and carbon dioxide,' is incorrect because nitrogen is not a product of photosynthesis, and carbon dioxide is a reactant.

3. What percentage of the offspring of the parents is predicted to have a cleft chin?

A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 0%
D. 75%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin and the other does not, there is a 25% chance of the offspring inheriting the cleft chin. This is due to the fact that the trait follows a simple Mendelian inheritance pattern, where the offspring would need to inherit the recessive gene from both parents to express the trait. Therefore, 25% of the offspring are predicted to have a cleft chin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the likelihood of inheriting a cleft chin in this specific scenario is 25%, not 50%, 0%, or 75%.

4. 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.

5. Phagocytes in the immune system are responsible for the biological action of which of the following?

A. Secreting
B. Consuming
C. Altering
D. Building

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consuming. Phagocytes are cells that engulf and digest pathogens, dead cells, and other harmful particles, playing a crucial role in the immune system's defense. Phagocytes do not secrete substances, alter particles, or build structures; their primary function is to consume and eliminate harmful entities.