which statement most accurately compares and contrasts the structures of dna and rna

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. Which statement most accurately compares and contrasts the structures of DNA and RNA?

A. Both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases. Three of the bases are the same, but the fourth base is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.
B. Both DNA and RNA have the same 4 nucleotide bases. However, the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA.
C. Both DNA and RNA have different numbers of nucleotide bases. DNA is a double helix while RNA is a single strand.
D. Both DNA and RNA have a double helix structure. However, DNA contains 6 nucleotide bases and RNA contains 4 nucleotide bases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because DNA and RNA both consist of 4 nucleotide bases, namely adenine, cytosine, and guanine, which are common in both. The key difference lies in the fourth base, which is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. This distinction is fundamental in understanding the structural variances between DNA and RNA. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA without specifying the crucial base differences. Choice C is inaccurate as it misrepresents the numbers of nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, and incorrectly describes DNA as a double helix and RNA as a single strand, which is not related to the difference in bases. Choice D is incorrect as it inaccurately portrays DNA with 6 nucleotide bases and RNA with 4, which is not true; both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases, but with differences in one of the bases.

2. What are groups of cells that perform the same function called?

A. tissues
B. plastids
C. organs
D. molecules

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Groups of cells that perform the same function are called tissues. Tissues are composed of a group of similar cells working together to carry out specific functions within an organism. Each type of tissue has a specialized structure that enables it to perform its specific role effectively. Plastids are cell organelles found in plants responsible for functions like photosynthesis and storage, not groups of cells. Organs are composed of different types of tissues working together. Molecules are made up of atoms and are not groups of cells.

3. What cellular process ensures the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division?

A. Mitosis (somatic cell division)
B. Meiosis (germ cell division)
C. Replication (DNA duplication)
D. Transcription (DNA to RNA conversion)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer. Mitosis is the process by which somatic cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells. During mitosis, the genetic material is accurately replicated and distributed to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells), focusing on genetic diversity through recombination and reduction of chromosome number. Replication is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical copy, essential for cell division but not the specific process ensuring accurate genetic material transmission. Transcription involves copying DNA into RNA, crucial for gene expression but not directly related to the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division.

4. What is the role of the diaphragm in the respiratory system?

A. To regulate blood pressure
B. To contract and expand the lungs
C. To produce red blood cells
D. To absorb oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To contract and expand the lungs. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in the respiratory system by contracting and expanding the lungs. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and causing air to be drawn into the lungs. Conversely, when it relaxes, it moves back up, decreasing the thoracic cavity volume and pushing air out of the lungs. This process is essential for breathing and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The diaphragm is not involved in regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells, or absorbing oxygen. Its primary function is to aid in respiration by facilitating breathing through its contraction and relaxation movements.

5. Which of the following structures in the male reproductive system produces the fluid that carries sperm?

A. Testes
B. Scrotum
C. Prostate gland
D. Seminal vesicles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The seminal vesicles in the male reproductive system are responsible for producing the fluid that carries sperm. These glands contribute a significant portion of the semen's volume, providing nutrients and protection for the sperm, which helps in their motility and survival. The testes are responsible for producing sperm cells, not the fluid that carries them. The scrotum is the external sac that holds the testes and helps regulate their temperature but does not produce the fluid. The prostate gland produces a milky fluid that helps nourish and protect sperm but is not the main structure responsible for producing the fluid that carries sperm.