what is the difference between dna and rna

HESI RN

Biology Test

1. What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

A. RNA has an extra Phosphate group
B. DNA has one less oxygen than RNA
C. RNA has one less oxygen than DNA
D. DNA has an extra sugar molecule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. DNA has one less oxygen atom in its sugar molecule (deoxyribose) compared to RNA, which has a ribose sugar. Choice A is incorrect because RNA does not have an extra phosphate group. Choice C is incorrect as RNA actually has one more oxygen atom than DNA. Choice D is incorrect as DNA and RNA have different sugar molecules, with DNA having deoxyribose and RNA having ribose.

2. Which of the following is not found in a prokaryotic cell?

A. Plasma membrane
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Nucleus.' Prokaryotic cells do not have a defined nucleus, unlike eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes are all components found in prokaryotic cells. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and exits, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

3. 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.

4. In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced from:

A. 46 to 23
B. 46 to 33
C. 28 to 14
D. 24 to 12

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "46 to 23." In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced by half to form gametes for sexual reproduction. In humans, where the diploid chromosome number is 46, meiosis results in haploid cells with 23 chromosomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the correct reduction in chromosome number during meiosis.

5. 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.