prokaryotic cells lack which of the following

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. Which of the following do prokaryotic cells lack?

A. A cell membrane
B. Genetic material
C. Cytoplasm
D. Membrane-bound organelles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria or a nucleus, distinguishing them from eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells do have genetic material, a cell membrane, and cytoplasm. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells do have a cell membrane, which is essential for maintaining cell structure and regulating what enters and exits the cell. Choice B is incorrect because prokaryotic cells contain genetic material, typically in the form of a single circular chromosome. Choice C is incorrect because prokaryotic cells have cytoplasm, where various cellular activities take place.

2. 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.

3. Who discovered the basic principles of genetics using garden peas?

A. Curie
B. Mendel
C. Hawking
D. Galileo

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Mendel. Gregor Mendel is known as the father of genetics for his groundbreaking work with pea plants. He discovered the basic principles of heredity through his experiments, establishing the foundation of modern genetics. Choice A, Curie, is incorrect as Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist known for her pioneering research on radioactivity. Choice C, Hawking, is incorrect as Stephen Hawking was a theoretical physicist known for his work on black holes and cosmology. Choice D, Galileo, is incorrect as Galileo Galilei was an astronomer and physicist renowned for his contributions to the scientific revolution, particularly in astronomy.

4. What is the main objective of the translation stage of protein synthesis?

A. To produce amino acids
B. To produce nucleotides
C. To produce fatty acids
D. To produce proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main objective of the translation stage of protein synthesis is to produce proteins. During translation, ribosomes decode mRNA sequences to synthesize proteins by linking amino acids together. Choice A, 'To produce amino acids,' is incorrect as amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are not produced during translation. Choices B and C, 'To produce nucleotides' and 'To produce fatty acids,' are also incorrect as these molecules are not the direct products of the translation stage of protein synthesis.

5. Which of the following organelles is known as the cell's transportation center?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Mitochondria
D. Lysosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids within the cell. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP. Lysosomes are involved in the digestion and recycling of cellular waste.