MCAT Review Questions
If an electron emits 3 eV of energy, what is the corresponding wavelength of the emitted photon? (Note: 1 eV= 1.6 x 10^-19 J, h=6.626 x 10^-34 J*s)
E= hc/lambda 4.14x 10^-7 m
How do the structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic flagella differ?
Eukaryote: 9+2; 9 pairs of microtubules with 2 microtubule in center Prokaryote: filament, basal body and hook
True or False: If C=A x B, where A is directed toward the right side of the page and B is directed to the top of the page, then C is directed midway between A and B at a 45 degree angle
False; C is out of page
True or False: The Earth create a larger force on you than you create on the Earth
False; Person exerts equal magnitude but opposite direction on Earth
What is the equation for circular motion?
Fc = mv^2/r
If the newton is the product of kilograms and meters/second^2, what units comprise the pound?
1 lb= (slug *ft)/s^2
Nucleus
control center of the cell; contains all genetic material needed for cell replication
What are the four fundamental tenets of the cell theory?
1. All living things are composed of cells 2. The cell is the basic functional unit of life 3. Cells arise only from preexisting cells 4. Cells cary genetic information in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA); it is passed from parent to daughter cell
During a test crash, a 500 kg car is driven at a constant velocity of 50 mph until it hits a wall without braking. Apply all three of Newton's laws to this situation.
1. Constant velocity meant no acceleration or net force 2. Collision with wall created deceleration. Since there is a change in acceleration there is change in net force 3. When car collides with wall it exerts force. Likewise, wall exerts equal magnitude but opposite direction force on car
Name the compound
3-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid
Can a moving object be in equilibrium? Why or why not?
A moving object can be in translational or rotational equilibrium (or both). Velocity needs to be constant so net force is zero for translational and net torque is zero for rotational.
After infection of a cell, a viral particle must transport itself to the nucleus in order to produce viral proteins. What is the likely genomic content of the virus? A. Double-stranded DNA B. Double-stranded RNA C. Positive-sense RNA D. Negative-sense RNA
A. Double-stranded DNA (Bio ch 1)
In a molecule with two double bonds adjacent to each other and an alcohol, which functional group would take precedence in naming?
Alchohol
For a molecule with a double bond, an aldehyde, and an alcohol, which functional group would determine the suffix when naming?
Aldehyde (Aldehyde>Ketone> Alcohol> Alkene)
When calculating the difference of vectors A and B (A-B), we invert B and put the tail of this new vector at the tip of A. What would be the effect of reversing this order (B-A)?
B-A and A-B have the same magnitude but different direction
Peroxisomes
Break down long fatty acid chains, synthesize lipids and contribute to pentose phosphate pathway
What is the order of priority for functional groups?
Carboxylic acid> Anhydride> Ester> Amide> Aldehyde> Ketone> Alcohol> Alkene or Alkyne> Alkane
How do the cytoskeletal structures of centrioles and flagella differ?
Centrioles: 9 microtubules triplets with hollow center Flagella: 9+2; 9 pairs of microtubules forming outer ring and 2 microtubule pair in center
When calculating frictional forces, how is directionality assigned?
Direction of frictional force always opposes movement
The valence electron in a lithium atom jumps from energy levels n=2 to n=4. What is the energy of this transition in joules? in eV? (Note: RH= 2.8x10^-18 J/e-= 13.6eV/e-)
E= Rh[1/ni^2-1/nf^2] 3.75 x 10^-19 J 2.6 eV
Calculate the energy of a photon of a wavelength 662 nm. (Note: h= 6.626 x 10^-34 J*s and 1 nm=10^-9 m)
E= hc/lambda 3 x10^-19 J
In your own words, provide a description of Newton's laws of motion:
First law: Object at rest stays at rest till force is acted on it; if net force= 0 then net velocity=0 Second law: Acceleration of an object depends on mass of object and amt of force applied; increase force= increases acceleration Third law: Every action has equal and opposite reaction
At what angle of launch is a projectile going to have the greatest horizontal displacement? What angle will result in the greatest vertical displacement, assuming a level surface?
Horizontal: 45 degree angle Vertical: 45 degree angle
What are the four phases of the bacterial growth curve? What are the features of each phase?
Lag phase: bacteria get used to environment; little growth Exponential/ Log phase: bacteria use available resources to multiply at an exponential rate Stationary phase: bacteria multiplication slows as resources are used up; plateau Death: bacteria die as resources become insufficient to support the colony
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
No ribosomes; used for lipid synthesis and detoxification of certain drugs +poisons, transports proteins from Rough ER to Golgi Apparatus
How do the forces acting in free wall and projectile motion differ?
Only gravity is exerted considering no air resistance
What difference between envelopes of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria make gram-positive bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics such as penicillin?
Penicillin attacks enzyme that helps form peptidoglycan. Gram-positive: easier to break down Gram- negative: has an outer membrane that prevents damage
A child is diagnosed with an enzyme deficiency that prevents the production of hydrogen peroxide. What would the likely outcome be of such a deficiency?
Peroxisomes produce hydrogen peroxide so in this case it will prevent digestion/breakdown of long fatty acid chains resulting in cell death
If you have an object three times as heavy as you can lift, how could a lever be used to life the object? Where would the fulcrum need to be placed?
Place the fulcrum 1/4 of the way across lever closer to object. Ratio of lever arms would be 3:1 only 1.3 of original force is needed
How is a scalar calculated from the product of two vectors? How is a vector calculated?
Scalar: dot product Vector: cross product
In what ways are Archaea similar to bacteria?
Single cell, no nucleus, no membrane- bound organelles
In what ways are archaea similar to eukaryotes?
Start translation with methionine, contain similar RNA polymerases, and associate their DNA with histones; similar metabolic pathway
Define atomic mass
The mass determined by p+n; depends on isotopes
When calculating the sum of vectors A and B (A+B), we put the tail of B at the tip of A. What would be the effect of reversing this order (B+A)?
There is no difference in A+B or B+A
True or False: Total distance traveled can never be less than total displacement
True
Provide a definition for displacement or velocity in terms of the other variable
Velocity: rate of change of displacement of object Displacement: function of velocity acting over period of time
Coronavirus, which causes the common cold, is described as an enveloped, single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. What does this description indicate about the virus?
Virus has outer later made of phospholipids and inside capsid. Capsid has RNA that host cell can translate into protein
Why are viruses considered obligate intracellular parasites?
Viruses have no organelles, no nucleus to produce independently
While molar mass is typically written in grams per mole, is the ration moles per gram also acceptable?
Yes
A 1000 kg rocket ship, travelling at 100 m/s, is acted upon by an average force of 20 kN applied in the direction of its motion for 8 s. What is the change in velocity of the rocket? a. 160 m/s b. 260 m/s c. 160,000 m/s d. 260,000 m/s
a. 160 m/s (Physics Ch 1)
In nuclear medicine, isotopes are created and used for various purposes; for instance, 18-O is created from 18-F. Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in each of these species a. 18-O b. 18-F
a. 8 p+, 10 n, 8 e- b. 9 p+, 9 n, 9 e-
Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in each of these species a. 19-O b. 16-O c. 238-U d. 240-U e. 16-F
a. 8 p+, 11 n, 8 e- b. 8 p+, 8 n, 8 e- b. 92 p+, 146 n, 92 e- d. 92 p+, 148 n, 92 e- e. 9 p+, 7 n, 9 e-
Which of the following lists the correct common names for ethanal, methanal, and ethanol respectively? a. Acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, ethyl alcohol b. ethyl alcohol, propionaldehyde, isopropyl alcohol c. ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde, isopropyl alcohol d. isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde
a. Acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, ethyl alcohol (OChem Ch 1)
What are the predominant proteins in each cytoskeletal element: a. Microfilaments b. Microtubules c. Intermediate filaments
a. Actin b. Tubulin c. Keratin, Desmin, Vimentin, and Lamins
A bacterial cell is noted to be resistant to penicillin. The bacterium is transferred to a colony that lacks the fertility factor, and the rest of the colony does not become resistant to penicillin. However, the penicillin-resistant cells has also started to exhibit other phenotypic characteristics, including secretion of a novel protein. Which of the following methods of bacterial recombination is NOT likely to account for this change? a. Conjugation b. Transformation c. Transduction d. Infection with a bacteriophage
a. Conjugation (Bio ch 1)
A 30 kg child sits on a seesaw at a distance of 2 m from the fulcrum. Where must the child's parent sit to balance the seesaw if the parent has a mass of 90 kg? a. 67 cm from child b. 67 cm from the fulcrum c. 133 cm from the child d. 267 cm from the fulcrum
b. 67 cm from the fulcrum (Physics Ch 1)
Classify each of the following cells as epithelial cells or connective tissue: a. Fibroblasts, which produce collagen in a number of organs b. Endothelial cells, which line blood vessels c. Alpha-cells, which produce glucagon in the pancreas d. Osteoblasts, which produce osteoid, the material that hardens into bone e. Chondroblasts, which produce cartilage
a. Connective tissue b. Epithelial cells c. Epithelial cells d. Connective tissue e. Connective tissue
What is the common names for: a. Methanal b. Ethanal c. Propanal d. Propanone
a. Formaldehyde b. Acetaldehyde c. Propionaldehyde d. Acetone
Name two forces in addition to mechanical manipulation (pushing or pulling forces created by contact with an object):
a. Gravitiational b. Frictional
What are the common names for: a. 2-propanol b. Ethanol
a. Isopropyl alcohol b. Ethyl alcohol
Which of the following organelles is surrounded by a single membrane? a. Lysosomes b. Mitochondria c. Nuclei d. Ribosomes
a. Lysosomes (Bio ch 1)
What would be the names of the ester, amide, and anhydride derivatives of pentanoic acid? Assume R group on ester is Ch3- and that the amide is unsubstituted. a. Ester b. Amide c. Anhydride
a. Methyl pentanoate b. Pentanamide c. Pentanoic anhydride
What is the main function of nucleolus? a. Ribosomal RNA synthesis b. DNA replication c. Cell division d. Chromosome assembly
a. Ribosomal RNA synthesis (Bio ch 1)
A firefighter jumps horizontally from a burning building with an initial speed of 1.5 m/s. At what time is the angle between the firefighter's velocity and acceleration vectors the greatest? a. The instant the firefighter jumps b. When the firefighter reaches terminal velocity c. Halfway through the firefighter's fall d. Right before the firefighter lands on the ground
a. The instant the firefighter jumps (Physics Ch 1)
An elevator is designed to carry a maximum weight of 9800 N (including its own weight), and to move upward at a speed of 5 m/s after an initial period of acceleration. What is the relationship between the maximum tension in the elevator cable and the maximum weight of the elevator while the elevator is accelerating upward? a. The tension is greater than 9800 N b. The tension is less than 9800 N c. The tension equals 9800 N d. It cannot be determined from the information given
a. The tension is greater than 9800 N (Physics Ch 1)
Which of the following does NOT describe connective tissue cells? a. They account for most cells in muscles, bones, and tendons b. They secrete substances to form the extracellular matrix c. In organs, they tend to form the stroma d. In organs, they provide support for epithelial cells
a. They account for most cells in muscles, bones, and tendons (Bio ch 1)
Describe the three mechanism of bacterial genetic recombination: a. Transformation b. Conjugation c. Transduction
a. Transformation: integration of foreign genetic material from lysed (ruptured) bacteria into the host genome b. Conjugation: transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another using conjugation bridge (pili); unilateral transfer from F+ to F- c. Transduction: transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by bacteriophage
What is the highest priority function group from below? a. anhydride b. carbonyl c. ketone d. alkyl chain
a. anhydride (OChem Ch 1)
Which subatomic particle is the most important for determining each of the following properties of an atom: a. charge b. atomic number c. isotope
a. electron b. proton c. neutron
If oxygen is absent, can the following carryout aerobic metabolism: a. obligate aerobe b. facultative anaerobe c. obligate anaerobe d. aerotolerant anaerobe
a. no b. yes c. yes d. yes
If oxygen is absent, can the following survive: a. obligate aerobe b. facultative anaerobe c. obligate anaerobe d. aerotolerant anaerobe
a. no b. yes c. yes d. yes
If oxygen is present, can the following carry out aerobic metabolism: a. obligate aerobe b. facultative anaerobe c. obligate anaerobe d. aerotolerant anaerobe
a. yes b. yes c. no d. no
If oxygen is present, can the following survive: a. obligate aerobe b. facultative anaerobe c. obligate anaerobe d. aerotolerant anaerobe
a. yes b. yes c. no d. yes
What is the equation for centripetal acceleration?
ac = v^2/r
Mitochondrion
aka "power plant of the cell"; involved in ATP production and apoptosis
Order the following units from smallest to largest: centimeter, angstrom, inch, mile, foot
angstrom<cm<inch<foot<mile
Define atomic weight
average mass of all isotopes; seen on periodic table
A physics major builds a potato launcher and tests it in an open field. The student launches a potato with a velocity of 12 m/s at an angle of 30 degrees. The potato is found 60 meters from the launch site. Which of the following represents the maximum height achieves by the potato? (Note: cos(60 degrees)= 0.866) a. 0.3 m b. 1.8 m c. 5 m d. 18 m
b. 1.8 m (Physics Ch 1)
A person walks 30 m east and then 40 m north. What is the difference between the traveled distance and the displacement? a. 0 m b. 20 m c. 50 m d. 70 m
b. 20 m (Physics Ch 1)
A 10 kg wagon rests on an inclines plane. The plane makes an angle of 30 degrees with the horizontal. Approximately how large is the force required to keep the wagon from sliding down the plane (Note: sin 30 degrees= 0.5, cos 30 degrees= 0.866)? a. 10 N b. 49 N c. 85 N d. 98 N
b. 49 N (Physics Ch 1)
Which of the following statements is true of movement on a plane with friction? I. Acceleration is a function of applied force only II. More force is needed to accelerate a stationary object than an identical moving object III. The force of friction is independent of the mass of objects a. I only b. II only c. I and II only d. I and III only
b. II only (Physics Ch 1)
The common names for the aldehydes and carboxylic acids that contain only one carbon start with which prefix? a. para- b. form- c. meth- d. acet-
b. form- (OChem Ch 1)
A car is traveling at 40 km/hr and the driver puts on the brakes, bringing the car to rest in a time of 6 s. What is the magnitude of the average acceleration of the car? a. 240 km/hr^2 b. 12,000 km/hr^2 c. 24,000 km/hr^2 d. 30,000 km/hr^2
c. 24,000 km/hr^2 (Physics Ch 1)
The theory of spontaneous generation states that living organisms can arise from nonliving material. In 1859, Pasteur demonstrated that no organisms emerged from sterilized growth media, weakening the theory of spontaneous generation and supporting which tenet of cell theory? a. All living things are composed of cells b. The cell is the basic functional unit of life c. Cells arise only from preexisting cells d. Cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA
c. Cells arise only from preexisting cells (Bio ch 1)
Centrifugal force is an apparent outward force during circular motion. It has been described as a reaction force according to Newton's third law. Which of the following statements is most likely to be correct regarding centrifugal force? a. Centrifugal force exists only for uniform circular motion, not nonuniform circular motion b. Centrifugal force exists only when a tension of a normal force provides centripetal acceleration. c. Centrifugal force will always act antiparallel to the centripetal force vector d. Centrifugal force is a result of repulsive electrostatic interactions
c. Centrifugal force will always act antiparallel to the centripetal force vector (Physics Ch 1)
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters the human body and remains dormant in the nervous system until it produces an outbreak after exposure to heat, radiation, or other stimuli. Which of the following statements correctly describes HSV? a. While it remains dormant in the nervous system, the virus is in its lytic cycle. b. During an outbreak, the virus is in the lysogenic cycle. c. Herpes simplex virus adds its genetic information to the genetic information of a cell d. The herpes simplex virus contains a tail sheath and tail fibers
c. Herpes simplex virus adds its genetic information to the genetic information of a cell (Bio ch 1)
Mitochondrial DNA is: I. circular II. self-replicating III. single-stranded a. I only b. II only c. I and II only d. I, II, and III
c. I and II only (Bio ch 1)
NADH is a coenzyme that releases high-energy electrons into the electron transport chain. It is known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or diphosphopyridine nucleotide. What functional groups exist in this molecule? I. Phosphate II. Amide III. Anhydride a. I only b. II only c. I and II only d. I, II and III
c. I and II only (OChem Ch 1)
Which of the following are considered terminal functional groups? I. aldehydes II. ketones III. carboxylic acids a. I only b. III only c. I and III only d. I, II, and III
c. I and III only (OChem Ch 1)
Resistance to antibiotics is a well-recognized medical problem. Which mechanisms can account for a bacterium's ability to increase its genetic variability and this adapt itself to resist different antibiotics? I. Binary fission II. Conjugation III. Transduction a. I and II only b. I and III only c. II and III only d. I, II, and III
c. II and III only (Bio ch 1)
Which of the following does NOT contain tubulin? a. Cilia b. Flagella c. Microfilaments d. Centrioles
c. Microfilaments (Bio ch 1)
Which of the following is NOT a difference that would allow one to distinguish a prokaryotic and a eukaryotic cell? a. Ribosomal subunit weight b. Presence of a nucleus c. Presence of a membrane on the outside surface of the cell d. Presence of membrane-bound organelles
c. Presence of a membrane on the outside surface of the cell (Bio ch 1)
In Alzheimeer's disease, a protein called the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved to form a protein called B-amyloid. This protein has a B-pleated sheet structure and precipitates to form plaques in the brain. This mechanism of disease is most similar to which of the following pathogens? a. Bacteria b. Viruses c. Prions d. Viroids
c. Prions (Bio ch 1)
Which of the following is NOT a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum? a. Lipid synthesis b. Poison detoxification c. Protein synthesis d. Transport of proteins
c. Protein synthesis (Bio ch 1)
A student must lift a mass of 4 kg a distance of 0.5 m. The ambient temperature is 298 K and the student must life the mass in 30 seconds. Which of the following values is NOT necessary to calculate power? a. Mass b. Distance c. Temperature d. Time
c. Temperature (Physics Ch 1)
Which of the following expressions correctly illustrates the SI base units for each of the variables in the formula below? m delta v= F delta t a. lb x mph= ft x lb x s b. kg x m/s= N x s c. kg x m/s= kg*m/s^2 x s d. g x m/s= g*m/s^2 x s
c. kg x m/s= kg*m/s^2 x s (Physics Ch 1)
A rock (m= 2 kg) is shot up vertically at the same time that a ball (m= 0.5 kg) is projected horizontally. If both start from the same height: a. the rock and ball will reach the ground at the same time b. the rock will reach the ground first c. the ball will reach the ground first d. the rock and ball will collide in the air before reaching the ground
c. the ball will reach the ground first (Physics Ch 1)
When no force is being applied, the velocity must be:
constant velocity
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
contains ribosomes that allow translation of proteins
Which of the following types of nucleic acid could form the genome of a virus? I. Single-stranded RNA II. Double-stranded DNA III. Single-stranded DNA a. I only b. II only c. I and II only d. I, II, and III
d. I, II, and III (Bio ch 1)
Which of the following quantities is NOT a vector? a. velocity b. displacement c. force d. distance
d. distance (Physics Ch 1)
Hyperbaric oxygen may be used as a treatment for certain types of bacterial infections. In this therapy, the patient is placed in a chamber in which the partial pressure of oxygen is significantly increased, increasing the partial pressure of oxygen in the patient's tissues. This treatment is most likely used for infections with? a. obligate aerobic bacteria b. facultative anaerobic bacteria c. aerotolerant anaerobic bacteria d. obligate anaerobic bacteria
d. obligate anaerobic bacteria (Bio ch 1)
What is the relationship between instantaneous velocity and instantaneous speed? Between average velocity and average speed?
instantaneous velocity EQUAL instantaneous speed average velocity DO NOT EQUAL average speed
Lysosome
membrane-bound organelle containing hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down substrates, involved in apoptosis
Golgi apparatus
packages, modifies and distributes cellular products
What are the three common shapes of bacteria?
spherical: cocci rod-shaped: bacilli spiral-shaped: spirilli
What is the suffix and prefix used for aldehyde?
suffix: -al prefix: oxo-
What is the suffix and prefix used for ketone?
suffix: -one prefix: oxo- or keto-
What is the equation for dot product?
uses cosine
What is the equation for cross product?
uses sine
