which statement most accurately compares and contrasts the structures of dna and rna

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. Which statement most accurately compares and contrasts the structures of DNA and RNA?

A. Both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases. Three of the bases are the same, but the fourth base is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.
B. Both DNA and RNA have the same 4 nucleotide bases. However, the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA.
C. Both DNA and RNA have different numbers of nucleotide bases. DNA is a double helix while RNA is a single strand.
D. Both DNA and RNA have a double helix structure. However, DNA contains 6 nucleotide bases and RNA contains 4 nucleotide bases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because DNA and RNA both consist of 4 nucleotide bases, namely adenine, cytosine, and guanine, which are common in both. The key difference lies in the fourth base, which is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. This distinction is fundamental in understanding the structural variances between DNA and RNA. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA without specifying the crucial base differences. Choice C is inaccurate as it misrepresents the numbers of nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, and incorrectly describes DNA as a double helix and RNA as a single strand, which is not related to the difference in bases. Choice D is incorrect as it inaccurately portrays DNA with 6 nucleotide bases and RNA with 4, which is not true; both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases, but with differences in one of the bases.

2. What is the scientific name for the kneecap?

A. Patella
B. Femur
C. Tibia
D. Fibula

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patella. The patella is the scientific term for the kneecap, a small, flat, triangular bone situated in front of the knee joint. The femur, tibia, and fibula are also bones in the leg, but they are not synonymous with the kneecap. The femur is the thigh bone, the tibia is the shin bone, and the fibula is the outer lower leg bone. Therefore, the correct term for the kneecap specifically is the patella.

3. What is the cellular function of cilia and flagella?

A. Cilia and flagella are responsible for cell movement.
B. Cilia and flagella synthesize proteins.
C. Cilia and flagella help protect the cell from its environment.
D. Cilia and flagella have enzymes that help with digestion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cilia and flagella are responsible for cell movement. Cilia and flagella are specialized structures found on the surface of many types of cells. They are involved in the movement of the cell itself or in moving substances around the cell. This movement helps in various functions such as propulsion, moving fluids, and sensing the environment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Cilia and flagella are not involved in synthesizing proteins, protecting the cell from its environment, or aiding in digestion. Their primary function is related to cell movement and cellular transport.

4. Salts like sodium iodide (NaI) and potassium chloride (KCl) use what type of bond?

A. Ionic bonds
B. Disulfide bridges
C. Covalent bonds
D. London dispersion forces

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Salts like sodium iodide (NaI) and potassium chloride (KCl) use ionic bonds. Ionic bonds are formed between atoms with significantly different electronegativities, leading to the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. In the case of NaI and KCl, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are metals that easily lose electrons to become positively charged ions, while iodide (I) and chloride (Cl) are nonmetals that readily accept electrons to become negatively charged ions. The attraction between the oppositely charged ions forms the ionic bond, which holds the compound together in a lattice structure. Disulfide bridges (option B) are covalent bonds formed between sulfur atoms in proteins, not in salts. Covalent bonds (option C) involve the sharing of electrons between atoms and are typically seen in molecules, not ionic compounds like salts. London dispersion forces (option D) are weak intermolecular forces that occur between all types of molecules but are not the primary type of bond in salts like NaI and KCl.

5. Which property of a substance refers to its ability to be stretched into thin wires?

A. Conductivity
B. Viscosity
C. Ductility
D. Malleability

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ductility is the property of a substance that allows it to be stretched into thin wires without breaking. It is a crucial property for materials used in wire production. Conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to conduct electricity or heat, not to be stretched into wires. Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, not its ability to be stretched. Malleability is the property of a substance that allows it to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, not stretched into wires.