which of the following is always true about molecules

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which of the following is always true about molecules?

A. They cannot travel through all cell membranes
B. They move from low concentration to high concentration without using energy
C. They move from high concentration to low concentration without using energy
D. They cannot move

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement that molecules move from high concentration to low concentration without using energy is always true due to the natural process of diffusion. This movement occurs to reach equilibrium and does not require any additional energy input directly from the molecule itself. Choice A is incorrect because not all molecules can travel through all cell membranes. Choice B is incorrect as molecules typically move from high concentration to low concentration in a process known as passive transport. Choice D is incorrect as molecules are in constant motion due to factors like temperature and kinetic energy.

2. Three students measured the mass of a product of combustion. They recorded measurements of 14 g, 16 g, and 17 g. If the known mass of the product is 30 g, how would you describe the students’ measurements?

A. Accurate
B. Precise
C. Both accurate and precise
D. Neither accurate nor precise

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The students' measurements are precise because they are consistently close to each other. However, they are not accurate because all the measurements deviate from the known mass of the product (30 g). Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value, while precision refers to the level of agreement among repeated measurements. Since the students' measurements are consistent but do not align with the true value, they can be considered precise but not accurate. Choice A is incorrect because accuracy relates to the proximity of the measurements to the true value, which is not the case here. Choice C is incorrect because although the measurements are precise, they are not accurate. Choice D is incorrect because the measurements are precise as they show good agreement with each other, even though they are not accurate.

3. If both parents have polydactylism, what percentage of their offspring is predicted to manifest the anomaly?

A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 75%
D. 100%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When both parents have polydactylism, they each possess at least one dominant allele for polydactylism. Through a Punnett square analysis, it can be determined that 50% of their offspring will inherit the dominant allele from both parents. This results in a 100% chance of manifesting the anomaly (2 out of 4 possibilities). Therefore, 50% of the offspring are predicted to manifest the anomaly. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the principles of Mendelian genetics and Punnett square analysis.

4. What are the three main events of the haploid cell cycle?

A. DNA replication, mitosis, and cytokinesis
B. DNA replication, meiosis, and cytokinesis
C. DNA replication, cytokinesis, and degradation
D. Mitosis, meiosis, and apoptosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the haploid cell cycle, the three main events are DNA replication, where the cell's genetic material is duplicated; mitosis, which is the division of the nucleus to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes; and cytokinesis, the division of the cell cytoplasm to separate the two daughter cells. Meiosis is not part of the haploid cell cycle as it occurs in diploid cells to produce haploid gametes. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and is not a routine event in the cell cycle. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as meiosis and apoptosis are not part of the haploid cell cycle, and degradation is not a typical event in the cell cycle.

5. Which organelle is responsible for organizing protein synthesis?

A. Nucleus
B. Ribosome
C. Lysosome
D. Vacuole

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ribosome. Ribosomes are responsible for organizing protein synthesis by assembling amino acids. They are the cellular machinery where proteins are synthesized. The other choices, such as the nucleus, lysosome, and vacuole, do not directly participate in protein synthesis. The nucleus contains DNA and controls cell activities, the lysosome is involved in digestion and waste removal, and the vacuole is responsible for storage and maintaining cell turgor pressure.