HESI RN
Biology Practice Test
1. 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.
2. What function does cholesterol, a phospholipid, serve within the cell membrane?
- A. It builds up fats to make the structure more flexible
- B. It allows protein channels to form
- C. It makes the structure very rigid and impermeable
- D. It stabilizes the membrane structure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Cholesterol helps to maintain the fluidity and stability of the cell membrane by fitting between the phospholipid molecules. Choice A is incorrect because cholesterol does not build up fats in the cell membrane. Choice B is incorrect as protein channels are formed by proteins, not cholesterol. Choice C is incorrect as cholesterol actually helps regulate the fluidity of the membrane, making it less rigid and more permeable.
3. What cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?
- A. Golgi apparatus
- B. Chromatin
- C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- D. Mitochondria
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Chromatin is the correct answer. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense structure to fit into the nucleus and protect the DNA. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, not DNA. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production, not DNA packaging.
4. What percentage of the parents' offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin if one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin (c) while the other parent does not?
- A. 25%
- B. 50%
- C. 0%
- D. 75%
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (0%). If one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin while the other parent does not carry it, none of their offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin. This is because the cleft chin trait is recessive, so for an offspring to express this trait, they would need to inherit the gene from both parents. In this scenario, none of the offspring will inherit the recessive gene from both parents, so the percentage of offspring predicted to have a cleft chin is 0%. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in this situation, the offspring will not express the cleft chin phenotype, although they could be carriers of the recessive gene.
5. 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.
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