what happens during the s phase of the cell cycle

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

A. Chromosomes are duplicated.
B. Cell growth occurs.
C. DNA is synthesized.
D. DNA is destroyed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the S phase of the cell cycle, chromosomes are duplicated. This is a critical step in cell division as each chromosome is replicated to ensure that the resulting daughter cells receive an identical set of genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cell growth primarily occurs in the G1 phase, DNA synthesis happens during the S phase, and DNA destruction does not occur during any phase of the cell cycle.

2. Athletes are often concerned with the question of what they need in their diets to increase muscle mass and strength. What biologic molecule would you recommend that would accomplish this?

A. carbohydrates
B. proteins
C. lipids
D. nucleic acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Proteins are essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. They contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscles. Athletes looking to increase muscle mass and strength should focus on consuming adequate amounts of high-quality proteins in their diets. Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts, lipids are important for overall health but do not directly contribute to muscle building, and nucleic acids are involved in genetic activities rather than muscle growth.

3. During protein synthesis, what process uses an RNA strand to produce a complementary strand of DNA?

A. Transcription
B. Translation
C. Transfer synthesis
D. Codon synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During transcription, an RNA strand is used to produce a complementary strand of DNA. This process is essential for converting the genetic information stored in DNA into RNA. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it involves the synthesis of proteins from mRNA. Choice C, 'Transfer synthesis,' is not a recognized term in molecular biology. Choice D, 'Codon synthesis,' is also incorrect as it does not refer to the process of using an RNA strand to produce a complementary DNA strand.

4. In contrast with triglycerides, phospholipids are lacking one of which of the following components?

A. Monosaccharide
B. Glycerol
C. Phosphates
D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phospholipids are structurally similar to triglycerides but lack one of the fatty acid chains that triglycerides possess. Triglycerides consist of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol molecule, while phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone. Therefore, phospholipids are lacking the third fatty acid chain found in triglycerides. Choice A (Monosaccharide) is incorrect because neither triglycerides nor phospholipids contain monosaccharides in their structure. Choice C (Phosphates) is incorrect because phospholipids actually contain phosphates, unlike triglycerides. Choice D (Fatty acid) is incorrect as both triglycerides and phospholipids contain fatty acids, but the number of fatty acid chains differs between the two.

5. Which of the following is not a product of the Krebs cycle?

A. carbon dioxide
B. oxygen
C. adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
D. energy carriers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: oxygen. Oxygen is not a product of the Krebs cycle. During the Krebs cycle, carbon dioxide, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and energy carriers like NADH and FADH2 are produced. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the cycle, ATP is a form of energy produced, and energy carriers play a crucial role in transferring energy within the cell. Therefore, oxygen is the only option that is not a product of the Krebs cycle, making it the correct answer.