what is the role of transfer rna trna in protein synthesis

ATI TEAS 7

ati teas 7 science

1. What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

A. Transcribes DNA into mRNA
B. Decodes the genetic code on mRNA
C. Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes
D. Modifies the structure of proteins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcribes DNA into mRNA: This is the function of RNA polymerase, not transfer RNA (tRNA). tRNA is involved in protein synthesis, not transcription. B) Decodes the genetic code on mRNA: This is the function of tRNA during translation. tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids and recognize the codons on mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. C) Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes: This is the primary role of tRNA in protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule is specific for a particular amino acid and carries it to the ribosome, where it is added to the growing protein chain. D) Modifies the structure of proteins: This is not a function of tRNA. Protein modification can occur after translation is complete and involves other cellular processes and molecules.

2. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

3. Which cavity contains all of the frontal cavities? Choose only ONE best answer.

A. Dorsal
B. Thoracic
C. Abdominopelvic
D. Ventral

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ventral. The ventral cavity includes both the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. The frontal cavities are part of the ventral cavity, which is located towards the front of the body, while the dorsal cavity is towards the back. The dorsal cavity contains the cranial and vertebral cavities, not the frontal cavities. The thoracic cavity is part of the ventral cavity but does not encompass all the frontal cavities. The abdominopelvic cavity is also part of the ventral cavity, but it does not include all of the frontal cavities. Therefore, the ventral cavity is the correct choice as it encompasses all the frontal cavities.

4. Which property describes a substance's resistance to flow?

A. Density
B. Viscosity
C. Conductivity
D. Reactivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Viscosity is the property that describes a substance's resistance to flow. A substance with high viscosity flows slowly, while a substance with low viscosity flows quickly. Density (A) is the measure of mass per unit volume; conductivity (C) is the ability of a material to conduct electricity or heat, and reactivity (D) refers to how readily a substance undergoes chemical reactions. Therefore, the correct answer is B, viscosity, as it directly relates to a substance's resistance to flow.

5. Osteoporosis is a condition that leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Which hormone plays a key role in bone health and is often affected in osteoporosis?

A. Estrogen
B. Testosterone
C. Thyroid hormone
D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation. In postmenopausal women, estrogen levels decrease, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis due to accelerated bone loss. This hormonal imbalance contributes to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. Testosterone and thyroid hormone do play roles in bone health, but estrogen has a more significant impact. Testosterone is more commonly associated with muscle mass and strength, while thyroid hormone regulates metabolism. Insulin is not directly involved in bone health and is not typically affected in osteoporosis.