which color of light is least effective at driving photosynthesis

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology 2024

1. Which color of light is least effective at driving photosynthesis?

A. Violet
B. Green
C. Orange
D. Red

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Green light is the least effective at driving photosynthesis because chlorophyll, the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light in plants, does not absorb green light well. Instead, chlorophyll absorbs more effectively in the blue and red regions of the light spectrum. Therefore, green light is relatively less efficient in promoting photosynthesis compared to violet, orange, and red light. Violet light, although at the shorter wavelength end of the spectrum, can still drive photosynthesis better than green light. Orange and red light are more efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll, making them more effective in driving the process of photosynthesis.

2. Which of the following shows how information is transformed to make a protein?

A. DNA-RNA-protein
B. gene-chromosome-protein
C. ATP-amino acid-protein
D. RNA-DNA-protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct sequence of events for protein synthesis is that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into a protein. This process is known as the central dogma of molecular biology. In this sequence, DNA serves as the template for RNA synthesis (transcription), and the RNA serves as the template for protein synthesis (translation). Choice B is incorrect as genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins, and chromosomes are structures that contain DNA. Choice C is incorrect as ATP is an energy molecule and amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but they are not directly involved in the synthesis process. Choice D is incorrect because RNA is first transcribed from DNA and then used as a template to produce proteins.

3. What happens to glucose during glycolysis?

A. Its energy is entirely lost.
B. It splits into molecules of pyruvic acid.
C. It is stored in NADH.
D. It joins with molecules of citric acid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During glycolysis, glucose undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions in the cytoplasm of the cell, resulting in its breakdown into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This process also generates ATP and NADH as energy carriers. Choice A is incorrect because glucose is not entirely lost, but rather converted into other molecules. Choice C is incorrect because NADH is a product of glycolysis, not a storage form for glucose. Choice D is incorrect as glucose does not join with molecules of citric acid during glycolysis, but rather in subsequent stages of cellular respiration.

4. Which of the following arrangement is seen in the plasma membrane?

A. Lipids with embedded proteins
B. An outer lipid layer and an inner lipid layer
C. Proteins embedded in lipid bilayer
D. Altering protein and lipid layers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct arrangement seen in the plasma membrane is proteins embedded in the lipid bilayer. The plasma membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins. These proteins perform various functions such as transport, signaling, and structural support within the cell membrane. This arrangement allows for the selective permeability of the membrane and facilitates communication between the cell and its environment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary arrangement in the plasma membrane involves proteins being embedded in the lipid bilayer, not lipids with embedded proteins, an outer and inner lipid layer, or altering protein and lipid layers.

5. Why doesn't an antibiotic work for treating the flu?

A. The antibiotic is for a different type of infection
B. The antibiotic is not effective against viruses
C. The antibiotic is not prescribed in a high enough dosage
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like the flu. The flu is caused by a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the fact that antibiotics do not work on viruses. Choice C is incorrect as the issue is not related to the dosage amount, but rather the nature of the infection. Choice D is incorrect as there is a specific reason why antibiotics do not work for the flu.