during which stage of photosynthesis is solar energy converted to chemical energy

HESI RN

Biology Test

1. During which stage of photosynthesis is solar energy converted to chemical energy?

A. During phosphate synthesis
B. During light reactions
C. During the Krebs cycle
D. During the Calvin cycle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, during the light reactions. During the light reactions of photosynthesis, solar energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. Choice A is incorrect as phosphate synthesis does not involve the conversion of solar energy. Choice C, the Krebs cycle, is a part of cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Choice D, the Calvin cycle, is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and does not involve the direct conversion of solar energy to chemical energy.

2. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. What is produced during this process?

A. A codon
B. A DNA helix
C. A DNA strand
D. An RNA strand

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: An RNA strand. During transcription, the DNA template is used to produce an RNA strand, not a codon, DNA helix, or another DNA strand. A codon is a sequence of nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid during translation, not produced during transcription. A DNA helix refers to the double-stranded structure of DNA, which is not produced during transcription. Another DNA strand is not produced during transcription since the process involves creating an RNA copy of a specific gene.

3. The cellular membrane contributes to all except which of the following?

A. Cell energy production
B. Cell permeability
C. Cell communication
D. Cell protection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is involved in regulating cell permeability, communication, and protection. However, it is not directly involved in energy production. Choice A is the correct answer because the cellular membrane does not produce energy; instead, it regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cell. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the cell membrane plays key roles in controlling what enters and exits the cell, facilitating communication between cells, and providing structural support and protection to the cell.

4. Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction. Which of the following occurs during the binary fission process?

A. The chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane
B. The chromosomes attach to the spindle formed along the axis
C. The chromosomes gather in the center of the cell
D. The chromosomes begin to separate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In binary fission, the chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane before the cell splits into two. This initial step ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because the spindle apparatus is characteristic of eukaryotic cell division (mitosis), not prokaryotic binary fission. Choice C is incorrect as chromosomes do not necessarily gather in the center of the cell during binary fission. Choice D is incorrect because the chromosomes do not begin to separate in binary fission; they replicate and then move to opposite ends of the cell before division.

5. 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.