the smallest and most basic unit of matter is the

HESI RN

Biology Test

1. What is the smallest and most basic unit of matter?

A. Micromolecule
B. Atom
C. Organelle
D. Molecule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Atom. An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. Choice A, Micromolecule, is incorrect because molecules are composed of atoms bonded together, making them larger than individual atoms. Choice C, Organelle, is incorrect as organelles are structures within cells, not the basic unit of matter. Choice D, Molecule, is incorrect as molecules are made up of atoms bonded together, so they are not the smallest unit of matter.

2. Which of the following terms is used to represent two alleles that are the same type?

A. Homosynchronous
B. Hypersynchronous
C. Heterozygous
D. Homozygous

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Homozygous.' Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene. In this context, 'Homosynchronous' (choice A) is not a recognized genetic term. 'Hypersynchronous' (choice B) is not a term used in genetics. 'Heterozygous' (choice C) refers to having two different alleles for a particular gene, which is the opposite of homozygous.

3. Which organelle has the ability to hydrolyze fats, nucleic acids, proteins, and sugars?

A. Chloroplasts
B. Mitochondria
C. Lysosomes
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Lysosomes. Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down various biomolecules such as fats, nucleic acids, proteins, and sugars. This organelle acts as the 'digestive system' of the cell. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis, mitochondria are responsible for energy production, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not the hydrolysis of biomolecules.

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. A molecule's specific heat is the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 gram of that molecule by:

A. One degree Celsius
B. Five degrees Celsius
C. Two degrees Celsius
D. Four degrees Celsius

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'One degree Celsius.' Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius. This property is specific to each substance and is used in various calculations involving heat and temperature changes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because specific heat is always measured per one degree Celsius increase in temperature for one gram of the substance, not five degrees, two degrees, or four degrees.