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. What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

A. There is no difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
B. Saturated fatty acids contain double bonds, unlike unsaturated fatty acids.
C. Saturated fatty acids often contain two or more pairs of double bonds, unlike unsaturated fatty acids.
D. Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds, unlike unsaturated fatty acids.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds between the carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chains, making them more solid at room temperature. Choice A is incorrect because there is a significant difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately states that saturated fatty acids contain double bonds, which is a property of unsaturated fatty acids. Choice C is also incorrect as saturated fatty acids do not contain double bonds, let alone two or more pairs of double bonds.

3. What are the nitrogenous bases of DNA?

A. Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine
B. Adenine, guanine, and uracil
C. Adenine, guanine, and thymine
D. Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. These are the four nitrogenous bases found in DNA. Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine, forming the complementary base pairs in the double helix structure of DNA. Choice B is incorrect because uracil is a nitrogenous base found in RNA, not DNA. Choice C is incorrect as it is missing cytosine, one of the four bases in DNA. Choice D is incorrect because uracil is not a nitrogenous base in DNA, and it also lacks thymine, which is essential for DNA structure.

4. During which stage of mitosis does the nuclear envelope begin to disappear and the chromosomes start attaching to the spindle forming along the cell's axis?

A. Prometaphase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Prophase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Prometaphase. During prometaphase, the nuclear envelope disintegrates, and chromosomes start attaching to spindle fibers. In metaphase, chromosomes align in the middle of the cell. Anaphase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids, and prophase involves the condensation of chromosomes and the beginning of spindle formation.

5. What is the primary method of asexual reproduction used by most bacteria?

A. Meiosis
B. Mitosis
C. Binary fission
D. Interphase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Binary fission. This is the main process through which most bacteria reproduce asexually. During binary fission, a single cell divides into two identical cells, each containing a copy of the genetic material. Choices A and B, meiosis and mitosis, are processes involved in sexual reproduction and are not used by bacteria for asexual reproduction. Choice D, interphase, is a stage of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division and is not a method of reproduction.