HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities are often linked together by intimate physical connections. These connections are referred to as ______.
- A. Separate desmosomes
- B. Ronofilaments
- C. Tight junctions
- D. Fascia adherens
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tight junctions. Tight junctions, also known as zonula occludens, are the intimate physical connections between cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities. These junctions form a virtually impermeable barrier to fluid, creating a tight seal between the cells. This helps in maintaining the integrity and function of the tissue as well as regulating the movement of substances across the cell layer. Choice A, Separate desmosomes, are cell structures that provide strong adhesion between cells but do not create a barrier to fluid. Choice B, Ronofilaments, is not a term used to describe the connections between cells. Choice D, Fascia adherens, are another type of cell junction involved in cell adhesion, but they are different from tight junctions in terms of their structure and function.
2. Which organelle is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell?
- A. Endoplasmic Reticulum
- B. Lysosomes
- C. Peroxisomes
- D. Golgi Apparatus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Peroxisomes. Peroxisomes are responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell by breaking down fatty acids and producing hydrogen peroxide. This process helps protect the cell from damage caused by toxic substances. Choice A, Endoplasmic Reticulum, is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, not detoxification. Choice B, Lysosomes, contain enzymes for digestion and waste removal, not primarily detoxification. Choice D, Golgi Apparatus, is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not detoxification.
3. Where is DNA stored?
- A. The nucleus
- B. Ribosomes
- C. Endoplasmic reticulum
- D. Mitochondria
Correct answer: A
Rationale: DNA is stored in the nucleus of a cell. The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material, including the DNA, which contains the instructions for building and operating the cell. The nucleus controls the activities of the cell and is essential for proper cell function and reproduction. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not DNA storage. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, storage, and transport but does not store DNA. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP, but they do not store DNA.
4. Which molecule is primarily responsible for storing energy in cells?
- A. Glucose
- B. ATP
- C. Fatty acids
- D. Starch
Correct answer: B
Rationale: ATP is the correct answer because it is the molecule responsible for storing and providing energy in cells. Glucose is a source of energy but not primarily for storage. Fatty acids are more involved in energy production through oxidation. Starch is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in plants.
5. The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:
- A. product
- B. respiration
- C. metabolism
- D. synthesis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.
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