which of the following is a group of three rna nucleotides

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. Which of the following is a group of three RNA nucleotides?

A. A stop codon
B. A codon
C. An anticodon
D. tRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - A codon. A codon is a sequence of three RNA nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. Choice A, a stop codon, is a sequence of three nucleotides that signals the termination of protein synthesis. Choice C, an anticodon, is a group of three nucleotides found in tRNA that pairs with the complementary codon in mRNA. Choice D, tRNA, stands for transfer RNA, which is a type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

2. What must first occur before a cell can be divided to grow, develop, and reproduce organisms?

A. RNA replication
B. DNA replication
C. Gene replication
D. Chromosome replication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: DNA replication. Before a cell can divide to grow, develop, and reproduce organisms, DNA replication must occur. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while RNA, genes, and chromosomes are essential components of cell division, DNA replication is the specific process that must first occur to ensure accurate transmission of genetic material.

3. In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced from:

A. 46 to 23
B. 46 to 33
C. 28 to 14
D. 24 to 12

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "46 to 23." In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced by half to form gametes for sexual reproduction. In humans, where the diploid chromosome number is 46, meiosis results in haploid cells with 23 chromosomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the correct reduction in chromosome number during meiosis.

4. Which two items react during cellular respiration?

A. Glucose and water
B. Carbon dioxide and water
C. Carbon dioxide and oxygen
D. Glucose and oxygen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Glucose and oxygen. During cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen react in the presence of enzymes to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP. Choice A (Glucose and water) is incorrect because water is a product of cellular respiration, not a reactant. Choice B (Carbon dioxide and water) is incorrect as carbon dioxide is produced during cellular respiration, not a reactant. Choice C (Carbon dioxide and oxygen) is incorrect because oxygen is a reactant in cellular respiration, not a product.

5. At the beginning of meiosis, how many chromosomes does the diploid parent cell have?

A. 23
B. 24
C. 46
D. 54

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 46. At the start of meiosis, the diploid parent cell contains 46 chromosomes. During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved, resulting in each gamete having 23 chromosomes. Choice A (23) is incorrect because that is the number of chromosomes in a human gamete, not the parent cell. Choice B (24) and Choice D (54) are also incorrect as they do not reflect the correct number of chromosomes in a diploid parent cell at the beginning of meiosis.