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. Which of the following is the process that reduces cells originally classified as diploid to haploid?

A. Meiosis
B. Photosynthesis
C. Mitosis
D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Meiosis. Meiosis is the cell division process that reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid, which is essential for sexual reproduction. Choice B, Photosynthesis, is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll. Choice C, Mitosis, is a cell division process that results in two diploid daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Choice D, Cytokinesis, is the division of the cytoplasm following cell division.

3. The Punnett square shows that one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin (c) while the other parent does not. What percentage of the parents' offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin?

A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 0%
D. 75%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 0%. If one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin while the other parent does not, none of the offspring will express the recessive phenotype. This is because in order for a child to have a cleft chin, they would need to inherit the recessive gene from both parents. Therefore, although the offspring could be carriers of the gene, none are predicted to have a cleft chin. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the presence of the recessive gene in one parent and its absence in the other would not result in any offspring showing the cleft chin trait.

4. During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert all except which of the following into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds?

A. Minerals
B. Water
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Metals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is utilized to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds like glucose. Minerals play a role in plant growth but are not directly converted during photosynthesis. Metals are not part of the photosynthesis process, making them the correct answer. Therefore, the correct choice is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as minerals, water, and carbon dioxide are involved in the photosynthesis process.

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.