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 neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. Norepinephrine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

3. What is the correct arrangement of the small intestine segments, from the stomach to the large intestine?

A. Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum
B. Jejunum, Ileum, Duodenum
C. Ileum, Duodenum, Jejunum
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct arrangement of the small intestine segments, from the stomach to the large intestine, is Duodenum, Jejunum, and Ileum. The small intestine begins with the duodenum, then continues to the jejunum, and finally, it ends with the ileum before connecting to the large intestine. Option A, 'Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum,' is the correct sequence. Choices B and C have the segments in incorrect order, not following the anatomical arrangement of the small intestine. Therefore, they are incorrect. Option D, 'None of the above,' is also incorrect as the correct sequence is provided in option A.

4. How do vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop memory without causing full-blown illness? What type of molecule in a vaccine typically triggers the immune response?

A. Toxins produced by the pathogen
B. Live, attenuated (weakened) forms of the pathogen
C. Inactivated (dead) forms of the pathogen
D. Antigens (specific molecules) from the pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to develop memory without causing illness. They typically contain antigens, which are specific molecules from the pathogen. These antigens stimulate the immune system to produce a targeted immune response without causing full-blown sickness. By presenting these antigens, vaccines help the immune system create memory cells that remember the pathogen. This memory allows the immune system to respond more effectively if it encounters the pathogen in the future. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because vaccines do not typically contain toxins, live pathogens, or inactivated forms of the pathogen. Instead, vaccines primarily rely on specific molecules (antigens) to induce an immune response.

5. What is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms and their environment?

A. Zoology
B. Botany
C. Ecology
D. Genetics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms and their environment, including the interactions between living organisms and their physical surroundings. This field focuses on how organisms interact with each other and their environment. Zoology is the study of animals, Botany is the study of plants, and Genetics is the study of genes and heredity, which are not directly related to the relationships between organisms and their environment. Therefore, the correct answer is Ecology as it specifically deals with the interactions between living organisms and their environment.