what organelle is involved in the synthesis of proteins

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024

1. Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of proteins?

A. Endoplasmic Reticulum
B. Ribosomes
C. Lysosomes
D. Vacuoles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles involved in the synthesis of proteins. They are the cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins, making them essential for cell function and structure. The other organelles listed, such as the Endoplasmic Reticulum, Lysosomes, and Vacuoles, have different functions unrelated to protein synthesis. The Endoplasmic Reticulum plays a role in protein processing and transport, Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and Vacuoles are responsible for storage and maintaining cell turgor pressure.

2. In a strand of DNA, you would expect to see adenine paired with ___________.

A. cytosine
B. uracil
C. thymine
D. guanine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a strand of DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds. This pairing is a fundamental aspect of DNA structure, where adenine and thymine complement each other in the double helix. Choice A (cytosine) is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA. Choice B (uracil) is incorrect as uracil is found in RNA, not DNA. Choice D (guanine) is incorrect as guanine pairs with cytosine, not adenine, in DNA.

3. Which of the following describes how a bacterium reproduces?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bacteria reproduce through a process called 'binary fission.' During binary fission, a bacterium duplicates its DNA and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This method is the primary way bacteria replicate. Choice A, 'Mitosis,' is incorrect because mitosis is a process specific to eukaryotic cells, where the nucleus divides to produce two identical nuclei. Choice B, 'Meiosis,' is incorrect as meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. Choice D, 'Cytokinesis,' is not the correct answer as cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which occurs after the genetic material has been divided in mitosis or meiosis.

4. How should a researcher test the hypothesis that eating chocolate leads to acne in teenagers?

A. Take 100 teenagers and feed each one a different amount of chocolate daily for 60 days; then test for acne.
B. Take 100 teenagers and feed 50 two bars of chocolate daily for 60 days while the other 50 eat no chocolate; then test for acne.
C. Take 1 teenager and feed him or her two bars of chocolate for 30 days and no chocolate for 30 days; then test for acne.
D. Take 100 teenagers and feed them no chocolate for 30 days and two bars of chocolate apiece for 30 days; then test for acne.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the correct approach to test the hypothesis that eating chocolate leads to acne in teenagers. This method involves having a control group (50 teenagers not consuming chocolate) and an experimental group (50 teenagers consuming two bars of chocolate daily), which allows for comparison. By having two distinct groups, researchers can assess the impact of chocolate consumption on acne development. Option A lacks a control group for comparison, making it harder to attribute any observed effects specifically to chocolate consumption. Option C only involves a single subject, which limits the generalizability of the results. Option D, where all teenagers experience both conditions, does not allow for a direct comparison between chocolate consumption and acne development, as all subjects are exposed to both conditions.

5. A pencil measures 8cm long. What is this in mm?

A. 80 mm
B. 800 mm
C. 8 mm
D. 0.8 mm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To convert centimeters to millimeters, you need to multiply by 10 since 1 centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters. Therefore, 8 cm x 10 mm/cm = 80 mm. The pencil measures 8 cm, which is equivalent to 80 mm when converted. Choice A is correct as it correctly converts 8 cm to mm by multiplying it by 10. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not apply the correct conversion factor.