which names a final step in protein synthesis

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology 2024

1. Which names a final step in protein synthesis?

A. DNA unzips.
B. Amino acids bond.
C. Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA.
D. Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final step in protein synthesis is when amino acids bond together to form a protein chain. This process occurs during translation, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, and the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids. This step ultimately leads to the synthesis of a complete protein based on the instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). Choice A ('DNA unzips') is incorrect as it refers to the initiation of transcription, not the final step of protein synthesis. Choice C ('Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA') is incorrect as it describes the process of translation initiation rather than the final step. Choice D ('Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes') is also incorrect as mRNA is already present at the ribosomes throughout the translation process, not just in the final step.

2. 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.

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. Which of the following is necessary for cell diffusion?

A. water
B. membrane
C. ATP
D. gradient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'gradient.' In cell diffusion, substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, driven by the concentration gradient. This process does not require water, membrane, or ATP specifically. Water can aid in the movement of substances, but it is not necessary for diffusion itself. The membrane is involved in regulating diffusion but is not a requirement for the process. ATP is not directly involved in simple diffusion processes; instead, it is more related to active transport mechanisms. Therefore, the concentration gradient is essential for cell diffusion to occur.

5. What propels the cell forward?

A. Microfilaments
B. Propulsion
C. Cilia
D. Flagella

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Propulsion, not microfilaments, cilia, or flagella, is what drives the cell forward. Propulsion is the force or process that propels the cell forward and allows it to move within its environment. Microfilaments are involved in cell structure, cilia are small hair-like structures for movement, and flagella are tail-like structures used for cell propulsion in some organisms.