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. Which of the following is a chief difference between evaporation and boiling?

A. Liquids boil only at the surface, while they evaporate equally throughout the liquid.
B. Evaporating substances change from liquid to gas, while boiling substances change from gas to liquid.
C. Evaporation can happen below a liquid's boiling point.
D. Evaporation happens in nature, while boiling is a man-made phenomenon.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The chief difference between evaporation and boiling is that evaporation can happen below a liquid's boiling point, while boiling only occurs at the liquid's boiling point. Evaporation is the process of a liquid turning into a gas at any temperature, while boiling specifically refers to the rapid vaporization that occurs when a liquid reaches its boiling point. Choice A is incorrect because liquids evaporate throughout the liquid, not just at the surface. Choice B is incorrect as evaporating substances change from liquid to gas, while boiling substances change from liquid to gas. Choice C is incorrect as boiling is not a man-made phenomenon; in fact, it is a natural process based on temperature changes. Choice D is incorrect because evaporation can happen naturally and is not limited to man-made processes.

3. What is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy called?

A. Nuclear fusion
B. Nuclear fission
C. Radioactive decay
D. Chain reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy. This process is commonly used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons. It is a controlled chain reaction that generates energy. Option A, Nuclear fusion, is the process of combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. This process powers the sun and other stars. Option C, Radioactive decay, is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. Option D, Chain reaction, is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction event stimulate further reaction events. While chain reactions can occur in both nuclear fission and fusion, the specific process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller ones is known as nuclear fission.

4. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection?

A. Mutations in genes
B. Differential survival and reproduction based on traits
C. Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out)
D. Competition for resources in an environment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Mutations in genes can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can be acted upon by natural selection. B) Differential survival and reproduction based on traits is a key component of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism, is not a mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (such as strong muscles from working out) are not passed on to offspring. D) Competition for resources in an environment can drive natural selection by favoring individuals with traits that help them better compete for limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out), as it is not a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection.

5. How are the frequency and wavelength of a wave related?

A. Inversely proportional
B. Directly proportional
C. No relationship
D. Dependent on the medium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that the frequency and wavelength of a wave are inversely proportional. This relationship is defined by the wave equation: speed = frequency x wavelength. When the frequency of a wave increases, its wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This means that as one quantity increases, the other decreases in a consistent manner, illustrating an inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength. Choice B, 'Directly proportional,' is incorrect because an increase in frequency does not lead to an increase in wavelength; they move in opposite directions. Choice C, 'No relationship,' is incorrect as frequency and wavelength are interconnected as described above. Choice D, 'Dependent on the medium,' is incorrect because the relationship between frequency and wavelength is a fundamental property of waves and is not solely determined by the medium through which the wave propagates.