what cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging dna into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the dna structure a

HESI RN

Biology Test

1. What cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Chromatin
C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
D. Mitochondria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chromatin is the correct answer. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense structure to fit into the nucleus and protect the DNA. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, not DNA. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production, not DNA packaging.

2. Which of the following is a group of three RNA nucleotides?

A. A stop codon
B. A codon
C. An anticodon
D. tRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - A codon. A codon is a sequence of three RNA nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. Choice A, a stop codon, is a sequence of three nucleotides that signals the termination of protein synthesis. Choice C, an anticodon, is a group of three nucleotides found in tRNA that pairs with the complementary codon in mRNA. Choice D, tRNA, stands for transfer RNA, which is a type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

3. What percentage of the offspring of the parents is predicted to have a cleft chin?

A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 0%
D. 75%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin and the other does not, there is a 25% chance of the offspring inheriting the cleft chin. This is due to the fact that the trait follows a simple Mendelian inheritance pattern, where the offspring would need to inherit the recessive gene from both parents to express the trait. Therefore, 25% of the offspring are predicted to have a cleft chin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the likelihood of inheriting a cleft chin in this specific scenario is 25%, not 50%, 0%, or 75%.

4. What characteristic of water allows for hydrogen bonding between molecules?

A. Its covalent bonds
B. Its cohesive properties
C. Its high specific heat
D. Its polar nature

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Its polar nature. Water is a polar molecule with a partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on oxygen atoms. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other. Choice A, covalent bonds, is incorrect because while water indeed has covalent bonds, they do not directly enable hydrogen bonding. Choice B, cohesive properties, is incorrect as cohesion refers to water's ability to stick to other substances, not the specific characteristic that allows for hydrogen bonding. Choice C, high specific heat, is also incorrect as it refers to water's ability to resist changes in temperature, not its property that leads to hydrogen bonding.

5. Which of the following provides support and shape to the cell?

A. Microtubules
B. Microfilaments
C. Cilia
D. Microvilli

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Microtubules are fundamental components of the cytoskeleton in a cell, playing a crucial role in providing structural support and maintaining the cell's shape. They are composed of tubulin protein subunits and are involved in various cellular processes like cell division, intracellular transport, and cell motility. Microfilaments, on the other hand, are involved in cell movement and maintaining cell shape but are not primarily responsible for supporting the cell's overall structure. Cilia and microvilli are cellular projections that aid in movement and absorption, respectively, but they do not play a significant role in providing structural support to the cell.