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. A scientist needs 12 mL of a solution. They have a bottle with 12L in it. Do they have enough?

A. Yes, they have exactly what they need
B. Yes, they have more than what they need
C. No, they do not have enough
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 1 liter has 1000 milliliters. To convert from milliliters to liters, the decimal point moves three places to the left. So, the bottle has 12000 mL of solution, which is a lot more than the required 12 mL. Therefore, the scientist has more than what they need. Choice A is incorrect as the bottle has more than the required amount. Choice C is incorrect as the bottle contains significantly more solution than needed. Choice D is incorrect as the scientist does have more than enough solution.

3. In a phospholipid molecule, the head:

A. Is hydrophilic
B. Is hydrophobic
C. Is on the inner side of the layer
D. Both A and C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The head of a phospholipid is hydrophilic (water-loving) and is located on the outer side of the lipid bilayer, interacting with water molecules. This arrangement positions the hydrophobic tails inward, away from water. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the head is hydrophilic, not hydrophobic. Choice B is incorrect as the head is on the outer side, not the inner side of the layer.

4. Where is the site of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?

A. Nucleus
B. Chloroplasts
C. Mitochondria
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mitochondria. Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they are responsible for cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells. During cellular respiration, mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The nucleus is the organelle that houses the cell's genetic material, chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, not cellular respiration.

5. What are the two catabolic pathways that lead to cellular energy production?

A. Fermentation and internal respiration
B. Fermentation and external respiration
C. Fermentation and cellular respiration
D. Fermentation and anaerobic respiration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fermentation and cellular respiration.' Fermentation is an anaerobic catabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, producing limited amounts of ATP. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the aerobic catabolic pathway that occurs in the presence of oxygen and is the most efficient way of producing ATP. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because internal respiration, external respiration, and anaerobic respiration are not the correct pathways leading to cellular energy production.