during protein synthesis what process uses an rna strand to produce a complementary strand of dna

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. During protein synthesis, what process uses an RNA strand to produce a complementary strand of DNA?

A. Transcription
B. Translation
C. Transfer synthesis
D. Codon synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During transcription, an RNA strand is used to produce a complementary strand of DNA. This process is essential for converting the genetic information stored in DNA into RNA. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it involves the synthesis of proteins from mRNA. Choice C, 'Transfer synthesis,' is not a recognized term in molecular biology. Choice D, 'Codon synthesis,' is also incorrect as it does not refer to the process of using an RNA strand to produce a complementary DNA strand.

2. Which of these is not an example of a lipid?

A. Butter
B. Wax
C. Canola oil
D. Honey

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Honey is not an example of a lipid because lipids are fat-related molecules that are insoluble in water, while honey is a natural sweet substance made by bees and primarily consists of sugars such as glucose and fructose. Butter, wax, and canola oil are examples of lipids as they are all composed of fat-related molecules that do not dissolve in water.

3. What type of cell is an animal cell?

A. Prokaryotic
B. Eukaryotic
C. Plant Cell
D. Bacterial Cell

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, eukaryotic. Animal cells are classified as eukaryotic cells because they contain membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Choice A, prokaryotic, is incorrect as prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles. Choice C, Plant Cell, is incorrect as the question specifically asks about animal cells. Choice D, Bacterial Cell, is incorrect as bacteria are prokaryotic cells.

4. In contrast with triglycerides, phospholipids are lacking one of which of the following components?

A. Monosaccharide
B. Glycerol
C. Phosphates
D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phospholipids are structurally similar to triglycerides but lack one of the fatty acid chains that triglycerides possess. Triglycerides consist of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol molecule, while phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone. Therefore, phospholipids are lacking the third fatty acid chain found in triglycerides. Choice A (Monosaccharide) is incorrect because neither triglycerides nor phospholipids contain monosaccharides in their structure. Choice C (Phosphates) is incorrect because phospholipids actually contain phosphates, unlike triglycerides. Choice D (Fatty acid) is incorrect as both triglycerides and phospholipids contain fatty acids, but the number of fatty acid chains differs between the two.

5. How does asexual reproduction differ from sexual reproduction?

A. asexual reproduction results in all cells being identical to the original cell; sexual reproduction results in half of the cells being identical to the original cell
B. asexual reproduction results in two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
C. sexual reproduction involves two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
D. sexual reproduction involves one cell that yields all cells produced to be identical

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sexual reproduction involves two cells (gametes) that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater genetic variation in the offspring. This genetic variation is essential for evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. In contrast, asexual reproduction involves one cell dividing to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because sexual reproduction does not result in half of the cells being identical to the original cell; it involves two cells contributing genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not result in significantly greater variation; it produces genetically identical offspring. Choice D is incorrect because sexual reproduction involves two cells contributing genetic material, not one cell yielding all identical cells.