what characteristic of water allows for hydrogen bonding between molecules

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. 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.

2. Which of the following is a lipid that is a membrane component and a precursor to significant hormones?

A. Nucleic acids
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Steroids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Steroids. Steroids are a type of lipid that function as essential components of cell membranes and serve as precursors for significant hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Nucleic acids (choice A) are not lipids but are molecules like DNA and RNA that store genetic information. Proteins (choice B) and carbohydrates (choice C) are biomolecules but are not lipids and do not serve as precursors for hormones or membrane components.

3. What percentage of the parents' offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin if one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin (c) while the other parent does not?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (0%). If one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin while the other parent does not carry it, none of their offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin. This is because the cleft chin trait is recessive, so for an offspring to express this trait, they would need to inherit the gene from both parents. In this scenario, none of the offspring will inherit the recessive gene from both parents, so the percentage of offspring predicted to have a cleft chin is 0%. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in this situation, the offspring will not express the cleft chin phenotype, although they could be carriers of the recessive gene.

4. The term pleiotropy is best defined as which of the following?

A. A situation in which one gene remains unexpressed
B. One gene influencing multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits
C. Two genes affected by a single allele
D. A condition in which multiple genes are missing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pleiotropy is best defined as one gene influencing multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. This phenomenon showcases the multifunctionality of genes, where a single gene can have effects on various aspects of an organism's phenotype. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately capture the concept of pleiotropy. Option A refers to gene expression, not pleiotropy. Option C describes genetic interactions but not in the context of pleiotropy. Option D talks about missing genes, which is unrelated to the definition of pleiotropy.

5. What do prokaryotic cells lack in comparison to eukaryotic cells?

A. A defined nucleus and a series of membrane-bound organelles
B. A defined nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles
C. No defined nucleus and a series of membrane-bound organelles
D. No defined nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles. Choice B is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack both a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotic cells have no defined nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is D.