why is polarity the most important characteristic of water

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

1. Why is polarity the most important characteristic of water?

A. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
B. the results of the polarity are covalent bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
C. the results of the polarity are ionic bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
D. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Polarity is the most important characteristic of water because it results in hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties. These unique properties enable water to form hydrogen bonds with other substances, resist temperature changes, and dissolve a wide variety of solutes, making it essential for life processes. Choice B is incorrect because water exhibits hydrogen bonding, not covalent bonding. Choice C is incorrect as water does not form ionic bonds. Choice D is incorrect because water has a high, not low, specific heat value, which is vital for its role in temperature regulation.

2. The scientific name for a house cat is Felis catus. This indicates the house cat’s _ and _.

A. kingdom; family
B. order; subspecies
C. phylum; class
D. genus; species

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The scientific name for an organism consists of its genus and species. In this case, 'Felis' refers to the genus, while 'catus' refers to the species, thus indicating the house cat's genus and species as Felis catus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a scientific name does not include information about the kingdom, family, order, subspecies, phylum, or class of an organism.

3. Athletes are often concerned with the question of what they need in their diets to increase muscle mass and strength. What biologic molecule would you recommend that would accomplish this?

A. carbohydrates
B. proteins
C. lipids
D. nucleic acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Proteins are essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. They contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscles. Athletes looking to increase muscle mass and strength should focus on consuming adequate amounts of high-quality proteins in their diets. Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts, lipids are important for overall health but do not directly contribute to muscle building, and nucleic acids are involved in genetic activities rather than muscle growth.

4. Which names a final step in protein synthesis?

A. DNA unzips.
B. Amino acids bond.
C. Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA.
D. Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final step in protein synthesis is when amino acids bond together to form a protein chain. This process occurs during translation, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, and the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids. This step ultimately leads to the synthesis of a complete protein based on the instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). Choice A ('DNA unzips') is incorrect as it refers to the initiation of transcription, not the final step of protein synthesis. Choice C ('Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA') is incorrect as it describes the process of translation initiation rather than the final step. Choice D ('Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes') is also incorrect as mRNA is already present at the ribosomes throughout the translation process, not just in the final step.

5. Which statement is true of enzymes?

A. They are made from lipids.
B. They are made from proteins.
C. They form double chains of DNA.
D. They bind with catalysts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Enzymes are made from proteins. Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. While the majority of enzymes are proteins, a few are made from RNA. The statement that enzymes are made from lipids (choice A) is incorrect. Enzymes do not form double chains of DNA (choice C) as their primary function is not related to DNA structure. Additionally, enzymes themselves do not bind with catalysts (choice D); instead, they act as catalysts to facilitate reactions.