which of the following is directly transcribed from dna and represents the first step in protein building

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. Which of the following is directly transcribed from DNA and represents the first step in protein synthesis?

A. siRNA
B. rRNA
C. mRNA
D. tRNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: mRNA (messenger RNA) is directly transcribed from DNA in the nucleus during the process of transcription. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation in the cytoplasm. mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Thus, mRNA represents the first step in protein synthesis as it carries the code from the DNA to be translated into a protein. Choice A, siRNA (small interfering RNA), is involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing and does not play a role in protein synthesis. Choice B, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of the ribosome and plays a structural and functional role in protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA. Choice D, tRNA (transfer RNA), is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA.

2. How is power related to work and time?

A. Power = Work ÷ Time
B. Power = Work × Time
C. Power = Work + Time
D. Power = Work - Time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Power is defined as the rate at which work is done or the amount of work done per unit of time. The correct formula to relate power, work, and time is Power = Work ÷ Time. This formula shows that power is calculated by dividing the amount of work done by the time taken to do that work, indicating the rate at which work is being done. Choice B (Power = Work × Time) is incorrect because multiplying work and time does not yield a measure of power. Choice C (Power = Work + Time) is incorrect as adding work and time does not define power. Choice D (Power = Work - Time) is also incorrect because subtracting work and time does not relate to the concept of power.

3. What is the purpose of a catalyst?

A. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the activation energy
B. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the temperature
C. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy
D. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of a catalyst is to increase a reaction's rate by decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly without being consumed in the process. The catalyst provides an alternate mechanism with a lower activation energy, making it easier for the reactants to convert into products. Choice A is incorrect because a catalyst lowers, not increases, the activation energy. Choice B is incorrect because a catalyst does not affect the temperature directly but provides an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur more easily. Choice D is incorrect because a catalyst does not lower the temperature but facilitates the reaction by lowering the activation energy barrier. Therefore, the correct answer is C, 'To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy.'

4. Which statement confirms that the cell membrane is selectively permeable?

A. Receptors are found on a cell's surface.
B. Cells communicate with each other using cell signals.
C. Environmental changes can cause a cell to expand or shrink.
D. Sodium ions must travel through ion channels to enter the cell.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because selective permeability is demonstrated by the fact that specific ions, such as sodium, require ion channels to cross the cell membrane. This process allows the cell to control what substances can enter or exit, highlighting the selective nature of the cell membrane. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the concept of selective permeability of the cell membrane. Receptors on a cell's surface (Choice A) are involved in cell signaling rather than selective permeability. Cell communication through signals (Choice B) and environmental changes affecting cell size (Choice C) are not directly related to the selective permeability of the cell membrane, which specifically refers to the regulation of substances passing through the membrane.

5. Which of the following best describes a balanced force acting on an object?

A. The object remains at rest
B. The object moves with constant velocity
C. The object accelerates
D. The object's mass changes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a balanced force acts on an object, the net force is zero, resulting in no acceleration. This means that the object will continue to move with a constant velocity if it was already in motion or remain at rest if it was initially stationary. Choice A is incorrect because the object can also move with constant velocity. Choice C is incorrect as acceleration only occurs when an unbalanced force is applied. Choice D is incorrect as the mass of an object is not affected by the balance of forces acting on it.