what is considered the main objective of the translation stage of protein synthesis

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. What is considered the main objective of the translation stage of protein synthesis?

A. To produce amino acids
B. To produce nucleotides
C. To produce fatty acids
D. To produce nucleic acids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To produce amino acids. During the translation stage of protein synthesis, the mRNA is decoded to assemble a specific sequence of amino acids. These amino acids then fold into a functional protein. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the translation stage specifically deals with the production of amino acids, not nucleotides, fatty acids, or nucleic acids.

2. Which of the following best describes phenotype?

A. The hereditary potentials and limitations of an individual
B. The genetic makeup of an individual organism
C. The entire complex of genes inherited from both parents
D. All the observable characteristics of an organism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'All the observable characteristics of an organism.' Phenotype refers to all the observable characteristics of an organism, such as physical appearance, behavior, and other traits, which result from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. Choice A is incorrect because it describes genotype. Choice B is incorrect as it defines genotype, not phenotype. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the genotype, the genetic information inherited from both parents, rather than the observable traits.

3. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the transcription of DNA?

A. RNA uses reverse transcriptase to make mRNA
B. DNA uses mRNA to produce tRNA
C. RNA creates a duplicate copy of DNA
D. RNA copies DNA to produce mRNA

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. During transcription, RNA copies DNA to produce mRNA, which carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis. Choice A is incorrect because reverse transcriptase is not involved in the transcription of DNA. Choice B is incorrect as DNA does not use mRNA to produce tRNA; tRNA is produced through a different process. Choice C is incorrect as RNA does not create a duplicate copy of DNA during transcription; it synthesizes mRNA by copying the DNA template.

4. Which of the following do prokaryotic cells lack?

A. A cell membrane
B. Genetic material
C. Cytoplasm
D. Membrane-bound organelles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria or a nucleus, distinguishing them from eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells do have genetic material, a cell membrane, and cytoplasm. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells do have a cell membrane, which is essential for maintaining cell structure and regulating what enters and exits the cell. Choice B is incorrect because prokaryotic cells contain genetic material, typically in the form of a single circular chromosome. Choice C is incorrect because prokaryotic cells have cytoplasm, where various cellular activities take place.

5. Which of the following is not one of the four nitrogenous bases that make up the DNA structure?

A. Adenine
B. Guanine
C. Uracil
D. Thymine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Uracil. Uracil is found in RNA, not DNA. The four nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. Choice A, Adenine, is a nitrogenous base in DNA. Choice B, Guanine, is another nitrogenous base in DNA. Choice D, Thymine, is also one of the four nitrogenous bases in DNA. Therefore, the correct answer is Uracil (Choice C).