which structure in the cell is responsible for protein synthesis

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

1. Which organelle in the cell is responsible for protein synthesis?

A. Ribosome
B. Nucleus
C. Mitochondrion
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ribosome. Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. They are the cellular machinery where translation, the process of assembling proteins from amino acids based on mRNA sequences, occurs. Ribosomes can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. The nucleus (choice B) houses DNA but is not directly involved in protein synthesis. Mitochondria (choice C) are responsible for energy production through cellular respiration, not protein synthesis. The Golgi apparatus (choice D) is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not in the synthesis of proteins.

2. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

3. Which of the following is a strong acid?

A. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
C. Citric acid
D. Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it completely ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions, leading to a high concentration of H⁺ ions in solution. This characteristic makes it a strong acid. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), citric acid, and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) are weak acids as they only partially ionize in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H⁺ ions compared to strong acids. Therefore, hydrochloric acid is the correct choice as a strong acid.

4. Which condition is characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach?

A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
B. Diverticulitis
C. Ulcerative colitis
D. Gastritis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gastritis is the correct answer as it is characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. This inflammation can be caused by various factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infections, or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of gastritis may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is incorrect because it involves the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, not inflammation of the stomach lining. Diverticulitis refers to inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the walls of the colon, not the stomach. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, not the stomach lining.

5. What is molarity a measure of in a solution?

A. Volume of the solvent
B. Amount of solute
C. Concentration of solute
D. Temperature of the solution

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Molarity is a measure of the concentration of a solute in a solution. It is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. Molarity is not a measure of the volume of the solvent (choice A), the amount of solute (choice B), or the temperature of the solution (choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is the concentration of solute (choice C) as molarity specifically quantifies the solute concentration in a solution.