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. A water molecule contains two types of atoms that are covalently bonded. Which of the following makes up a water molecule?

A. One hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom
B. One hydrogen atom and two oxygen atoms
C. Two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms
D. Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. This forms a stable structure known as H2O. Choice A is incorrect as water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct composition of a water molecule.

3. 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.

4. In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced from:

A. 46 to 23
B. 46 to 33
C. 28 to 14
D. 24 to 12

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "46 to 23." In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced by half to form gametes for sexual reproduction. In humans, where the diploid chromosome number is 46, meiosis results in haploid cells with 23 chromosomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the correct reduction in chromosome number during meiosis.

5. In which step of cellular respiration is the most adenosine triphosphate (ATP) created?

A. Electron transport chain
B. Glycolysis
C. Citric acid cycle (the Krebs cycle)
D. All of these produce equal amounts of ATP

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron transport chain is the step in cellular respiration that generates the most ATP. During this step, up to 34 ATP molecules can be produced from a single glucose molecule. Choice B, Glycolysis, produces a smaller amount of ATP (2 ATP molecules per glucose), and choice C, Citric acid cycle, produces some ATP but not as much as the electron transport chain. Choice D is incorrect because different steps of cellular respiration produce varying amounts of ATP, with the electron transport chain being the most efficient in ATP generation.