which of the following describes the term allele

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

1. Which of the following describes the term allele?

A. A specific form of a gene that can exist at a particular locus
B. An inheritable variation of a gene
C. A grouping of various genes
D. Variations of complementary base pairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus. They represent variations of a gene and are inheritable. Choice A is incorrect as it does not fully capture the concept of an allele, which is a specific form of a gene rather than a substitution. Choice C is incorrect as alleles are not a grouping of various genes but rather different forms of a single gene at a specific locus. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not accurately describe alleles; alleles are variations of genes, not base pairs.

2. An investigator wishes to test the effect of temperature on the durability of a certain material. He places five blocks of this material in a sunny area in a meadow and five more in a cold area high in the mountains. He then monitors them over time. What is the main problem with this experiment?

A. Ten subjects are far too small a number to obtain effective results.
B. It is impossible to control for the fact that the blocks in the mountains were placed later.
C. There are too many variables that are not being controlled for.
D. Nothing is wrong with this experiment; this demonstrates good experimental procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main problem with this experiment is that there are too many variables that are not being controlled for. The investigator is only changing one variable (temperature) while there are other variables at play such as humidity, exposure to light, and potential differences in the material itself. Without controlling or accounting for these additional variables, it would be difficult to determine if any observed differences in durability are solely due to temperature. Choice A is incorrect because the issue is not solely about the number of subjects but about the lack of control over variables. Choice B is not the main problem as the order of placement may not significantly impact the results. Choice D is incorrect as the experiment lacks proper control over variables, which is a crucial aspect of good experimental procedure.

3. What is the process by which genetic information is used to produce proteins?

A. Replication
B. Transcription
C. Translation
D. Mutation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Replication is the process by which DNA is copied to produce an identical strand of DNA. This process occurs during cell division to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information. B) Transcription is the process by which genetic information from DNA is copied into a complementary RNA molecule. This RNA molecule, known as messenger RNA (mRNA), serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation. C) Translation is the process by which the genetic information carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific sequence of amino acids, which are then assembled into a protein. This process occurs at the ribosomes in the cytoplasm of the cell. D) Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence that can result in alterations to the genetic information. Mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by external factors such as radiation or chemicals. While mutations can impact protein synthesis, they are not the process by which genetic inf

4. What is the term for a microorganism that lives on or in the human body and normally causes no disease or harm?

A. Bacteria
B. Commensal Microorganism
C. Microorganism
D. Host

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct term for a microorganism that lives on or in the human body without causing harm is a commensal microorganism. Commensal microorganisms coexist with the host without causing disease or harm. Choice A, 'Bacteria,' is too broad as not all bacteria are harmless in the body. Choice C, 'Microorganism,' is a general term and does not specifically refer to the harmless nature of the organism. Choice D, 'Host,' refers to the organism harboring the microorganism, not the microorganism itself.

5. What role does DNA play in evolution?

A. It stores genetic information that can be passed on to offspring.
B. It allows for mutations that can introduce new variations.
C. It regulates the expression of genes that influence traits.
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) DNA stores genetic information that is passed on from parents to offspring through the process of reproduction. This genetic information contains instructions for the development and functioning of an organism. It serves as the hereditary material that carries the blueprint for an organism's traits and characteristics, allowing for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. B) DNA can undergo mutations, which are changes in the genetic sequence. These mutations can introduce new variations in the DNA, leading to genetic diversity within a population. These variations are essential for natural selection and adaptation to changing environments. C) DNA plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes. Gene expression determines which proteins are produced in an organism, influencing its traits and characteristics. By controlling gene expression, DNA contributes to the development and maintenance of an organism's traits. D) Therefore, DNA is involved in all of the above processes, making it a key factor in evolution by driving genetic variation, inheritance, and gene expression. The interplay of these functions allows for the diversity and adaptation of species over time, shaping the evolutionary process.