dna and rna are both subunits of which biological molecule

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. DNA and RNA are both subunits of which biological molecule?

A. Nucleic acids
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Lipids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nucleic acids. DNA and RNA are both types of nucleic acids, which are fundamental biological molecules responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. Choice B, Proteins, are not subunits of DNA and RNA but are composed of amino acids. Carbohydrates, choice C, are another type of biological molecule involved in energy storage and structural support, not subunits of DNA and RNA. Lipids, choice D, are a diverse group of molecules that include fats, oils, and steroids, but they are not subunits of DNA and RNA.

2. Which of the following best describes phenotype?

A. The hereditary potentials and limitations of an individual
B. The genetic makeup of an individual organism
C. The entire complex of genes inherited from both parents
D. All the observable characteristics of an organism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'All the observable characteristics of an organism.' Phenotype refers to all the observable characteristics of an organism, such as physical appearance, behavior, and other traits, which result from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. Choice A is incorrect because it describes genotype. Choice B is incorrect as it defines genotype, not phenotype. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the genotype, the genetic information inherited from both parents, rather than the observable traits.

3. Which of the following processes produces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2) for the electron transport chain during cellular respiration?

A. Electron transport chain
B. Glycolysis
C. Citric acid cycle (the Krebs cycle)
D. None of these

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the citric acid cycle (the Krebs cycle). This cycle generates NADH and FADH2, which play a crucial role in providing electrons to the electron transport chain during cellular respiration. Choice A, the electron transport chain itself, is where NADH and FADH2 donate their electrons, not where they are produced. Choice B, glycolysis, produces NADH but not FADH2. Choice D, 'None of these,' is incorrect as the citric acid cycle specifically produces NADH and FADH2.

4. What characteristic of water allows for hydrogen bonding between molecules?

A. Its covalent bonds
B. Its cohesive properties
C. Its high specific heat
D. Its polar nature

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Its polar nature. Water is a polar molecule with a partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on oxygen atoms. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other. Choice A, covalent bonds, is incorrect because while water indeed has covalent bonds, they do not directly enable hydrogen bonding. Choice B, cohesive properties, is incorrect as cohesion refers to water's ability to stick to other substances, not the specific characteristic that allows for hydrogen bonding. Choice C, high specific heat, is also incorrect as it refers to water's ability to resist changes in temperature, not its property that leads to hydrogen bonding.

5. What is located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

A. Microvilli
B. Mitochondria
C. Lysosomes
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes, not microvilli, mitochondria, or lysosomes. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, making them an essential component of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.