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. What is the purpose of phloem tissue in plant stems?

A. It conducts water up through the stem.
B. It conducts the energy of light to leaves.
C. It conducts food throughout the plant.
D. It conducts carbon dioxide throughout the plant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of phloem tissue in plant stems is to conduct food, particularly sugars produced in the leaves during photosynthesis, throughout the plant. The phloem transports these organic compounds to various parts of the plant where they are needed for growth and energy. Choice A is incorrect because water is primarily transported by xylem tissue, not phloem. Choice B is incorrect as the energy of light is captured by chlorophyll in the process of photosynthesis, not conducted by phloem. Choice D is incorrect because carbon dioxide is mainly absorbed through the leaves and transported to other parts of the plant through diffusion, not by phloem.

3. How many pairs of chromosomes do all humans have?

A. 24 pairs
B. 23 pairs
C. 22 pairs
D. 20 pairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: All humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes. Choice A is incorrect because humans do not have 24 pairs. Choice C is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs, not 22 pairs. Choice D is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, not 20 pairs.

4. Which of the following is an example of human error in an experiment?

A. an imperfectly calibrated scale
B. contaminating a sterile sample by breathing on it
C. a draft in the laboratory slightly changing the temperature of a liquid
D. failure to account for wind speed when measuring distance traveled

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Contaminating a sterile sample by breathing on it is an example of human error in an experiment because it involves an action directly caused by the researcher that compromises the integrity of the sample. Breathing on a sterile sample introduces external contaminants that can affect the results. Choices A, C, and D involve factors not directly under the researcher's control or are technical errors that do not involve direct human actions.

5. Which cellular structure is found in animal cells but not in plant cells?

A. Centriole
B. Cytoplasm
C. Vacuole
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Centriole. Centrioles are found in animal cells but not in plant cells. They play a crucial role in organizing microtubules during cell division, aiding in the formation of the mitotic spindle. Plant cells lack centrioles; instead, they utilize microtubule organizing centers to perform similar functions during cell division. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cytoplasm is a part of both animal and plant cells, vacuoles are found in plant cells and some animal cells, and the Golgi apparatus is present in both types of cells.