HESI RN
Biology Test
1. Which of the following options is the term used to represent alternative versions of a gene?
- A. Alleles
- B. Binary fission
- C. Heterozygous
- D. Homozygous
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alleles. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. They represent variations in a gene's DNA sequence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms, while heterozygous and homozygous refer to different combinations of alleles in an individual, not the alternative versions of a gene.
2. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the transcription of DNA?
- A. RNA uses reverse transcriptase to make mRNA
- B. DNA uses mRNA to produce tRNA
- C. RNA creates a duplicate copy of DNA
- D. RNA copies DNA to produce mRNA
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. During transcription, RNA copies DNA to produce mRNA, which carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis. Choice A is incorrect because reverse transcriptase is not involved in the transcription of DNA. Choice B is incorrect as DNA does not use mRNA to produce tRNA; tRNA is produced through a different process. Choice C is incorrect as RNA does not create a duplicate copy of DNA during transcription; it synthesizes mRNA by copying the DNA template.
3. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and steroid hormones?
- A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
- B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- C. Golgi apparatus
- D. Ribosomes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the correct organelle responsible for the synthesis of lipids, including phospholipids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is primarily involved in protein synthesis and processing, making choice A incorrect. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transportation, so it is not directly involved in lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, making choice C incorrect. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis and are not involved in lipid or steroid hormone synthesis, making choice D incorrect.
4. A molecule's specific heat is the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 gram of that molecule by:
- A. One degree Celsius
- B. Five degrees Celsius
- C. Two degrees Celsius
- D. Four degrees Celsius
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'One degree Celsius.' Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius. This property is specific to each substance and is used in various calculations involving heat and temperature changes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because specific heat is always measured per one degree Celsius increase in temperature for one gram of the substance, not five degrees, two degrees, or four degrees.
5. The term pleiotropy is best defined as which of the following?
- A. A situation in which one gene remains unexpressed
- B. One gene influencing multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits
- C. Two genes affected by a single allele
- D. A condition in which multiple genes are missing
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Pleiotropy is best defined as one gene influencing multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. This phenomenon showcases the multifunctionality of genes, where a single gene can have effects on various aspects of an organism's phenotype. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately capture the concept of pleiotropy. Option A refers to gene expression, not pleiotropy. Option C describes genetic interactions but not in the context of pleiotropy. Option D talks about missing genes, which is unrelated to the definition of pleiotropy.
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