enzymes are typically

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

1. Enzymes are typically _ _.

A. Fats
B. Proteins
C. Sugars
D. Neurons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are typically proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms. While most enzymes are made of proteins, a few exceptions, known as ribozymes, are made of RNA. Proteins are composed of amino acids arranged in specific sequences that give enzymes their unique shape and functionality. Choice A, 'Fats,' is incorrect as enzymes are not typically composed of fats. Choice C, 'Sugars,' is incorrect as enzymes are not typically composed of sugars. Choice D, 'Neurons,' is incorrect as neurons are a type of cell in the nervous system, not typically associated with enzymes.

2. Which two bases are purines?

A. Adenine (A)
B. Cytosine (C)
C. Thymine (T)
D. Guanine (G)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adenine (A) and guanine (G) are the two bases that are purines. Purines are characterized by a double-ring structure containing two carbon rings, distinguishing them from pyrimidines. Adenine and guanine are purines because they possess this unique double-ring structure. Therefore, choices A and D, adenine and guanine, respectively, are the correct answers. Choices B and C, cytosine and thymine, are pyrimidines and do not exhibit the double-ring structure characteristic of purines.

3. Which of the following is not true about antibiotics?

A. They can interfere with the bacteria's ability to survive
B. They can affect how bacteria multiply
C. They can cause more bacteria to grow
D. They only work on bacteria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Antibiotics do not cause more bacteria to grow. They work by interfering with the bacteria's ability to survive, affecting how they multiply, or killing the bacteria cells. Antibiotics specifically target bacteria, so they do not promote the growth of more bacteria. Choices A, B, and D are true statements about antibiotics as they accurately describe how antibiotics work and their specific action on bacteria.

4. What are the two catabolic pathways that lead to cellular energy production?

A. Fermentation and internal respiration
B. Fermentation and external respiration
C. Fermentation and cellular respiration
D. Fermentation and anaerobic respiration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fermentation and cellular respiration.' Fermentation is an anaerobic catabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, producing limited amounts of ATP. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the aerobic catabolic pathway that occurs in the presence of oxygen and is the most efficient way of producing ATP. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because internal respiration, external respiration, and anaerobic respiration are not the correct pathways leading to cellular energy production.

5. 72 chromosomes undergo meiosis. How many chromosomes will be in each gamete?

A. 18
B. 36
C. 72
D. 144

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved in each gamete. Since 72 chromosomes undergo meiosis, each gamete will contain half of that number, which is 36 chromosomes. Therefore, the correct answer is 18 chromosomes in each gamete. Choice B (36 chromosomes) is incorrect because it represents the total number of chromosomes that undergo meiosis, not the number in each gamete. Choice C (72 chromosomes) is incorrect as it represents the initial number of chromosomes, not the number in each gamete after meiosis. Choice D (144 chromosomes) is incorrect as it doubles the initial number of chromosomes, which is not the outcome of meiosis.