which cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging dna into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the dna structure

HESI RN

Biology Test

1. Which cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Chromatin
C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
D. Mitochondria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chromatin. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense shape to fit into the nucleus of a cell. This compact packaging helps protect the DNA structure and regulate gene expression. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP.

2. What is located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

A. Microvilli
B. Mitochondria
C. Lysosomes
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes, not microvilli, mitochondria, or lysosomes. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, making them an essential component of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

3. What is the smallest and most basic unit of matter?

A. Micromolecule
B. Atom
C. Organelle
D. Molecule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Atom. An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. Choice A, Micromolecule, is incorrect because molecules are composed of atoms bonded together, making them larger than individual atoms. Choice C, Organelle, is incorrect as organelles are structures within cells, not the basic unit of matter. Choice D, Molecule, is incorrect as molecules are made up of atoms bonded together, so they are not the smallest unit of matter.

4. The Punnett square shows that one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin (c) while the other parent does not. What percentage of the parents' offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin?

A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 0%
D. 75%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 0%. If one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin while the other parent does not, none of the offspring will express the recessive phenotype. This is because in order for a child to have a cleft chin, they would need to inherit the recessive gene from both parents. Therefore, although the offspring could be carriers of the gene, none are predicted to have a cleft chin. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the presence of the recessive gene in one parent and its absence in the other would not result in any offspring showing the cleft chin trait.

5. During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert all except which of the following into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds?

A. Minerals
B. Water
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Metals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is utilized to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds like glucose. Minerals play a role in plant growth but are not directly converted during photosynthesis. Metals are not part of the photosynthesis process, making them the correct answer. Therefore, the correct choice is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as minerals, water, and carbon dioxide are involved in the photosynthesis process.