which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. Which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology?

A. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids
B. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and calcium
C. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and sulfur
D. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and iron

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids are considered the most important molecules in biology. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy, lipids for storing energy and forming cell membranes, proteins for various structural and functional roles, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for storing genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are crucial biomolecules, calcium, sulfur, and iron are not considered among the most important molecules in biology.

2. Which of the following are components of the endocrine system?

A. The pituitary gland
B. The thyroid gland
C. The adrenal glands
D. All of the Above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endocrine system comprises a network of glands that produce and release hormones to regulate bodily functions. The pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands are essential components of this system. The pituitary gland secretes various hormones that control other glands and some body functions. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, growth, and energy levels by producing thyroid hormones. The adrenal glands produce hormones involved in stress response, metabolism, and immune function. Therefore, all of the above glands are integral parts of the endocrine system, making choice D the correct answer.

3. Which, if any, of the following statements about the biosphere is correct?

A. The biosphere is the part of the Earth that supports life.
B. The biosphere encompasses the entire surface of the Earth.
C. A and B are correct.
D. None of these statements is correct.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statement A is correct. The biosphere refers to the part of the Earth where life exists, including the land, water bodies, and atmosphere. It is the zone where living organisms and ecosystems exist. Statement B is incorrect because the biosphere covers various ecosystems on Earth but does not encompass the entire surface of the planet. The biosphere includes regions such as the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water bodies), and atmosphere, but not every part of the Earth's surface. Therefore, option C, stating both A and B are correct, is inaccurate. The correct answer is option A, as it accurately defines the biosphere.

4. Imagine that two parents both carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis. Any homozygous recessive offspring will manifest the disease. What percentage of the offspring is predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease?

A. 0%
B. 25%
C. 50%
D. 100%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When both parents carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis (homozygous recessive), there is a 25% chance for each offspring to inherit two recessive alleles and, therefore, manifest the disease. There is also a 50% chance for each offspring to inherit one recessive allele and one dominant allele, making them carriers of the disease but not manifest it. Therefore, 25% of the offspring are predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a portion of offspring that will be carriers. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as this percentage corresponds to carriers who will not manifest the disease. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as not all offspring will be carriers and not manifest the disease.

5. Genes control heredity in man and other organisms. This gene is ___

A. A segment of DNA
B. A bead-like structure on the chromosomes
C. A protein molecule
D. A segment of RNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Genes are sections of DNA that contain instructions for building and operating living organisms. These sections of DNA contain the genetic information that is passed on from one generation to the next. Genes are composed of specific sequences of nucleotides within the DNA molecule. Therefore, genes are best described as segments of DNA. Choice A is correct. Choice B is incorrect because genes are not bead-like structures on chromosomes but specific sequences of DNA. Choice C is incorrect because genes are not protein molecules but rather sequences of nucleotides. Choice D is incorrect because genes are not segments of RNA but DNA.