at the beginning of meiosis how many chromosomes does the diploid parent cell have

HESI RN

Biology Test

1. At the beginning of meiosis, how many chromosomes does the diploid parent cell have?

A. 23
B. 24
C. 46
D. 54

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 46. At the start of meiosis, the diploid parent cell contains 46 chromosomes. During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved, resulting in each gamete having 23 chromosomes. Choice A (23) is incorrect because that is the number of chromosomes in a human gamete, not the parent cell. Choice B (24) and Choice D (54) are also incorrect as they do not reflect the correct number of chromosomes in a diploid parent cell at the beginning of meiosis.

2. What do prokaryotic cells lack in comparison to eukaryotic cells?

A. A defined nucleus and a series of membrane-bound organelles
B. A defined nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles
C. No defined nucleus and a series of membrane-bound organelles
D. No defined nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles. Choice B is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack both a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotic cells have no defined nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

3. Which of the following is not true of mitosis?

A. Mitosis produces daughter cells
B. Mitosis has five main stages
C. Mitosis can only be done by haploids
D. Following mitosis, daughter cells are identical to parent cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Mitosis occurs in diploid cells and involves stages that result in the production of two identical daughter cells. Haploids do not undergo mitosis, as mitosis is a process specific to diploid cells. Choice A is true as mitosis does produce daughter cells. Choice B is incorrect as mitosis typically consists of four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Choice D is true, as one of the main outcomes of mitosis is the production of daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.

4. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. Where does this process occur?

A. In the cytoplasm
B. In the nuclear envelope
C. In the ribosome unit
D. In the nucleus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: In the nucleus. Transcription, the initial step of protein synthesis, takes place in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where translation occurs on the ribosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transcription specifically occurs in the nucleus, not in the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, or ribosome unit.

5. Water is held together by which of the following bonds?

A. Electrostatic attraction
B. Van der Waals forces
C. Hydrogen
D. Oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are weak bonds formed between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another. Choice A, electrostatic attraction, is a general term for the attraction between opposite charges but does not specifically describe the bonds in water. Choice B, Van der Waals forces, are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, not the primary bonds in water. Choice D, oxygen, is incorrect as oxygen is part of the water molecule but not the bond holding water molecules together.