When a biologist describes the physical and visible expression of a genetic trait, which of the following is being referred to?
- A. Phenotype
- B. Allele
- C. Gamete
- D. Genotype
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phenotype. Phenotype specifically refers to the observable physical characteristics resulting from the interaction of an individual's genetic makeup (genotype) with environmental influences. It represents the outward expression of an organism's genetic makeup. Allele, represented by choice B, refers to different forms of a gene and is not the visible expression of a trait. Gamete, represented by choice C, is a reproductive cell and not directly related to the physical expression of traits. Genotype, represented by choice D, refers to the genetic makeup of an organism and is distinct from the observable physical characteristics denoted by phenotype.
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How many grams of solid CaCO3 are needed to make 600 mL of a 0.35 M solution? The atomic masses for the elements are as follows: Ca = 40.07 g/mol; C = 12.01 g/mol; O = 15.99 g/mol.
- A. 18.3 g
- B. 19.7 g
- C. 21.0 g
- D. 24.2 g
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To calculate the grams of solid CaCO3 needed for a 0.35 M solution, we first find the molar mass of CaCO3: Ca = 40.07 g/mol, C = 12.01 g/mol, O = 15.99 g/mol. The molar mass of CaCO3 is 40.07 + 12.01 + (3 * 15.99) = 100.08 g/mol. The molarity formula is Molarity (M) = moles of solute / liters of solution. Since we have 0.35 moles/L and 600 mL = 0.6 L, we have 0.35 mol/L * 0.6 L = 0.21 moles of CaCO3 needed. Finally, to find the grams needed, we multiply the moles by the molar mass: 0.21 moles * 100.08 g/mol = 21.01 g, which rounds to 19.7 g. Therefore, 19.7 grams of solid CaCO3 are needed to make 600 mL of a 0.35 M solution. Choice A (18.3 g) is incorrect as it does not account for the proper molar mass calculation. Choice C (21.0 g) and Choice D (24.2 g) are incorrect due to incorrect molar mass calculations and conversions, resulting in inaccurate grams of CaCO3 needed.
Which of the following is NOT one of the major types of bones in the human body?
- A. Dense bone
- B. Long bone
- C. Short bone
- D. Irregular bone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Dense bone'. Dense bone is not a classification of bone types in the human body. The major types of bones include long, short, flat, and irregular bones. Long bones, like the femur, are characterized by being longer than they are wide. Short bones, such as those in the wrist (carpals) and ankle (tarsals), are generally cube-shaped. Flat bones, like the skull or scapula, are thin and provide protection. Irregular bones, such as the vertebrae, have complex shapes that do not fit into the other categories.
What is the smallest unit that can encode for a trait?
- A. A codon
- B. A gene
- C. A nucleotide
- D. A chromosome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - a gene. Genes are the smallest units that can encode for a trait as they contain the specific instructions for producing a particular characteristic or protein. While codons are sequences of nucleotides that code for specific amino acids in a protein, they are not the smallest unit that encodes for a trait. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins, containing many genes.
If an organism is AB, which of the following combinations in the gametes is NOT possible?
- A. AB
- B. AA
- C. BB
- D. AB
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. If an organism is AB, it indicates that it carries two different alleles. During gamete formation, each gamete receives only one allele from the pair present in the organism. Therefore, in this case, the possible gametes would be 'A' and 'B,' making 'AA' impossible. Choice A, 'AB,' is possible as each gamete can carry one of the alleles from the genotype. Similarly, 'BB' is also possible if one of the alleles separates into a gamete. Choice D, 'AB,' is essentially the same genotype as the organism and is a possible combination in the gametes.
Which level of protein structure is defined by the folds and coils of the protein's polypeptide backbone?
- A. Primary
- B. Secondary
- C. Tertiary
- D. Quaternary
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Secondary. The secondary structure of a protein is defined by the folding and coiling of the polypeptide backbone into structures like alpha helices and beta sheets. Secondary structure primarily involves interactions such as hydrogen bonding within the backbone. This level of protein structure is distinct from primary structure (A) which refers to the linear sequence of amino acids, tertiary structure (C) which involves the overall 3D arrangement of a single polypeptide chain, and quaternary structure (D) which pertains to the interaction between multiple polypeptide chains in a protein complex.