What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?
- A. Carries amino acids to the ribosomes
- B. Reads the genetic code on mRNA
- C. Forms the structural framework of ribosomes
- D. Controls the rate of protein synthesis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in forming the structural framework of ribosomes. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis and consist of both protein and rRNA components. The primary function of rRNA is to provide the structural support necessary for ribosomes to function properly. This structural framework allows the ribosome to interact with messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) during translation, where genetic information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble proteins from amino acids. Therefore, rRNA's main role is in contributing to the structure and function of ribosomes, rather than directly carrying amino acids, reading the genetic code, or controlling the rate of protein synthesis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because rRNA does not carry amino acids to the ribosomes (tRNA does this), read the genetic code (this is the role of ribosomes and tRNA), or control the rate of protein synthesis (this is regulated by various factors but not directly by rRNA).
You may also like to solve these questions
What is the process of combining two or more substances to form a heterogeneous mixture called?
- A. Dissolving
- B. Diluting
- C. Mixing
- D. Reacting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mixing.' When substances are combined, a heterogeneous mixture is formed where the components are physically distinguishable. 'Dissolving' (Choice A) is the process of a solute becoming uniformly dispersed in a solvent to form a solution, not a heterogeneous mixture. 'Diluting' (Choice B) refers to reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution. 'Reacting' (Choice D) involves a chemical change where substances interact to form new products, rather than just physically mixing to form a heterogeneous mixture.
When light reflects from a surface, what determines the angle of reflection?
- A. The material of the surface
- B. The wavelength of the light
- C. The angle of incidence
- D. The intensity of the light
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The angle of reflection is determined by the angle of incidence according to the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. When light reflects off a surface, the angle at which it strikes the surface (angle of incidence) is the key factor in determining the angle at which it reflects (angle of reflection). The material of the surface, the wavelength of the light, and the intensity of the light do not directly influence the angle of reflection in this context. Therefore, the correct answer is the angle of incidence (Choice C). The material of the surface (Choice A) does affect other properties like reflectivity but does not directly determine the angle of reflection. The wavelength of the light (Choice B) determines its color or frequency but not the angle of reflection. The intensity of the light (Choice D) is related to the brightness of the light but does not dictate the angle at which light reflects from a surface.
Adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process where:
- A. A single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species due to ecological pressures in a heterogeneous environment.
- B. Two unrelated species evolve similar adaptations in response to similar environments, leading to convergent evolution.
- C. A population becomes increasingly well-adapted to its current environment through continued natural selection.
- D. The fossil record exhibits gaps or missing links in the evolutionary history of a lineage.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: - Adaptive radiation is a process where a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species to exploit different ecological niches within a heterogeneous environment.
- This diversification occurs due to the different selective pressures present in various habitats, leading to the evolution of distinct traits and adaptations in different descendant species.
- Option A accurately describes the process of adaptive radiation, where the initial species undergoes rapid speciation to occupy different ecological roles and adapt to diverse environmental conditions.
- Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe adaptive radiation but refer to other evolutionary processes such as convergent evolution, natural selection, and gaps in the fossil record, respectively.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize a key property of positrons for medical imaging. What is this property?
- A. High mass
- B. Positive charge
- C. Extreme stability
- D. Identical behavior to electrons
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize the property of positrons having a positive charge. Positrons are the antimatter counterpart of electrons, having the same mass but opposite charge. When a positron collides with an electron, they annihilate each other, producing gamma rays that can be detected by the PET scanner to create images of the body's internal structures and functions. Choice A is incorrect because positrons have the same mass as electrons. Choice C is incorrect as positrons are not extremely stable due to their tendency to annihilate when they encounter electrons. Choice D is incorrect as positrons exhibit different behavior than electrons due to their opposite charges.
Which of the following is the neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom?
- A. Electron
- B. Proton
- C. Neutron
- D. Positron
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Neutron. Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom that have no charge. They have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus contributes to the mass number of the atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Choice A, Electron, is incorrect as electrons are negatively charged particles found outside the nucleus. Choice B, Proton, is incorrect as protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus. Choice D, Positron, is incorrect as positrons are positively charged antiparticles of electrons and are not typically found in the nucleus of an atom.