how do dna and rna function together as part of the human genome

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. How do DNA and RNA function together as part of the human genome?

A. DNA carries genetic information from RNA to the cell cytoplasm.
B. RNA carries genetic information from DNA to the cell cytoplasm.
C. DNA and RNA carry genetic information from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm.
D. DNA and RNA do not interact within the cell.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. RNA acts as a messenger carrying genetic instructions from the DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where proteins are synthesized. This process is known as transcription and translation, where DNA provides the blueprint for protein synthesis, and RNA delivers this information to the cellular machinery in the cytoplasm. Choice A is incorrect as it inaccurately states that DNA carries genetic information from RNA, which is the opposite of the actual flow of information. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests that both DNA and RNA together carry genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, which is not accurate. Choice D is incorrect as DNA and RNA do interact within the cell, playing crucial roles in genetic information processing and protein synthesis.

2. How can bacteria acquire new genetic material from their environment?

A. Transformation
B. Transduction
C. Conjugation
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome, leading to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits. B) Transduction: Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. The bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, facilitating the transfer of genetic material. C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells in direct contact. This transfer is facilitated by a conjugative plasmid carrying the genetic information. Therefore, all the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.

3. Which of the following salt solutions is most likely to conduct electricity well?

A. A saturated solution
B. A concentrated solution of a strong electrolyte
C. A dilute solution of a weak acid
D. A mixture of a neutral compound and water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A concentrated solution of a strong electrolyte is most likely to conduct electricity well. Strong electrolytes completely dissociate into ions in solution, allowing for the flow of electric current. This high concentration of ions in the solution enhances its conductivity, making it a better conductor compared to other options. A saturated solution, although containing dissolved ions, may not have a high enough concentration to conduct electricity effectively. A dilute solution of a weak acid is a poor conductor as weak acids only partially dissociate into ions. A mixture of a neutral compound and water does not contain free ions necessary for conducting electricity.

4. What type of bond connects amino acids to form proteins?

A. Covalent
B. Peptide
C. Ionic
D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Peptide'. Peptide bonds are the specific type of bond that connects amino acids together to form proteins. These bonds form through a condensation reaction between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid, creating a covalent bond. While covalent bonds are involved in the formation of peptide bonds, the direct bond connecting amino acids in proteins is the peptide bond. Ionic bonds involve the attraction between charged particles, and hydrogen bonds are weaker bonds compared to covalent and peptide bonds, playing a different role in protein structure.

5. Which of the following is an example of a polymer?

A. Methane
B. Ethanol
C. Polyethylene
D. Acetic acid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Polyethylene. Polyethylene is a polymer composed of a large number of repeating ethylene units linked together, forming a long-chain molecule, characteristic of polymers. Methane, ethanol, and acetic acid are small organic molecules that do not demonstrate the repeating unit structure typical of polymers. Therefore, they are not examples of polymers.