what are the differences between rna and dna

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What are the differences between RNA and DNA?

A. Both have the same structure and function.
B. RNA is single-stranded, while DNA is double-stranded.
C. RNA contains ribose sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.
D. RNA has adenine and guanine, while DNA has thymine and cytosine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) This statement is incorrect. RNA and DNA have different structures and functions. RNA is involved in protein synthesis and other cellular processes, while DNA stores genetic information. B) This statement is correct. RNA is typically single-stranded, while DNA is double-stranded, forming a double helix structure. C) This statement is correct. RNA contains ribose sugar in its backbone, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar. D) This statement is incorrect. RNA contains adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil, while DNA contains adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine. Choice B is the correct answer as it accurately describes one of the key differences between RNA and DNA, emphasizing their structural disparity in terms of single-strandedness for RNA and double-strandedness for DNA. Choices A, C, and D contain inaccuracies regarding the structural and compositional distinctions between RNA and DNA, making them incorrect choices.

2. What term refers to the mechanical act of breathing?

A. Diffusion
B. Perfusion
C. Respiration
D. Ventilation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ventilation is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the mechanical process of breathing air in and out of the lungs. Diffusion (choice A) is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration, not related to the mechanical act of breathing. Perfusion (choice B) is the process of blood flow through the tissues and organs, not directly related to breathing mechanically. Respiration (choice C) involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the cellular level, different from the mechanical act of breathing.

3. Which of the following macromolecules will always contain nitrogen?

A. Fatty acids
B. Proteins
C. Lipids
D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proteins. Proteins are the only macromolecules that always contain nitrogen in their amino acid structure. Nitrogen is a key element found in the amino groups of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Fatty acids (Choice A), lipids (Choice C), and carbohydrates (Choice D) do not always contain nitrogen in their structure. Fatty acids are composed of long hydrocarbon chains and do not contain nitrogen. Lipids consist mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with some classes of lipids containing phosphorus but not nitrogen. Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, forming structures like sugars and starches, but they do not contain nitrogen.

4. Which of the following functions is NOT performed by the integumentary system, the skin?

A. Protect internal tissues from injury
B. Waterproof the body
C. Help regulate body temperature
D. Return fluid to the blood vessels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The integumentary system, which includes the skin, performs various functions like protecting internal tissues from injury, waterproofing the body, and helping regulate body temperature. The function of returning fluid to the blood vessels is primarily associated with the lymphatic system, not the integumentary system. The skin contributes to fluid balance by regulating sweating and preventing excessive water loss, but it does not directly return fluid to the blood vessels, making this the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are functions directly related to the integumentary system and are essential for maintaining the body's overall health and well-being.

5. In which medium does light propagate at its highest speed?

A. Air
B. Water
C. Glass
D. Diamond

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Light travels at its highest speed in a vacuum. However, among the options provided, air is the closest medium to a vacuum, making it the correct answer. In general, light travels slower in denser mediums due to interactions with atoms and molecules in the medium. Water, glass, and diamond are denser mediums compared to air, causing light to propagate at slower speeds in these materials, hence making them incorrect choices.