which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. Which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology?

A. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids
B. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and calcium
C. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and sulfur
D. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and iron

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids are considered the most important molecules in biology. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy, lipids for storing energy and forming cell membranes, proteins for various structural and functional roles, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for storing genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are crucial biomolecules, calcium, sulfur, and iron are not considered among the most important molecules in biology.

2. How many pairs of chromosomes do all humans have?

A. 24 pairs
B. 23 pairs
C. 22 pairs
D. 20 pairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: All humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes. Choice A is incorrect because humans do not have 24 pairs. Choice C is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs, not 22 pairs. Choice D is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, not 20 pairs.

3. What takes place in a lysosome?

A. Ribosomes are made.
B. Food is produced.
C. Water is stored.
D. Food is digested.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a lysosome, food particles are digested through the action of enzymes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down large molecules into smaller ones, allowing the cell to utilize the nutrients for energy and other processes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ribosomes are not made in lysosomes, food is not produced in lysosomes, and lysosomes do not store water.

4. How does water affect the temperature of a living thing?

A. Water increases temperature.
B. Water keeps temperature stable.
C. Water decreases temperature.
D. Water does not affect temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb and release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change. This property helps water regulate the temperature of living things by maintaining a stable environment. Choice A is incorrect because water does not consistently increase temperature, but rather helps in temperature regulation. Choice C is incorrect as water doesn't typically decrease temperature in living organisms. Choice D is incorrect since water does play a crucial role in regulating temperature.

5. RNA is made from DNA through a process called ___________.

A. transcription
B. synthesis
C. translation
D. replication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: RNA is made from DNA through a process called transcription. During transcription, an enzyme called RNA polymerase reads the DNA template and synthesizes a complementary RNA molecule. This process is essential for gene expression and allows the information encoded in DNA to be converted into functional RNA molecules. Choice B, 'synthesis,' is incorrect as it is a general term and does not specifically describe the process of RNA formation from DNA. Choice C, 'translation,' is incorrect as it refers to the process where the mRNA is used to assemble amino acids during protein synthesis, not the conversion of DNA to RNA. Choice D, 'replication,' is incorrect as it is the process of making an identical copy of DNA, not converting DNA into RNA.