how does an enzyme work on a chemical reaction that occurs in a substrate

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology 2024

1. How does an enzyme work on a chemical reaction that occurs in a substrate?

A. An enzyme slows down the chemical reaction.
B. An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction.
C. An enzyme has no effect on the chemical reaction.
D. An enzyme stops most chemical reactions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Enzymes do not change the overall outcome of the reaction, but they significantly increase the rate at which it takes place. Therefore, choice B, 'An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not slow down, have no effect, or stop chemical reactions; instead, they accelerate the process by lowering the activation energy.

2. Which names a final step in protein synthesis?

A. DNA unzips.
B. Amino acids bond.
C. Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA.
D. Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final step in protein synthesis is when amino acids bond together to form a protein chain. This process occurs during translation, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, and the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids. This step ultimately leads to the synthesis of a complete protein based on the instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). Choice A ('DNA unzips') is incorrect as it refers to the initiation of transcription, not the final step of protein synthesis. Choice C ('Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA') is incorrect as it describes the process of translation initiation rather than the final step. Choice D ('Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes') is also incorrect as mRNA is already present at the ribosomes throughout the translation process, not just in the final step.

3. A scientist needs 12 mL of a solution. They have a bottle with 12L in it. Do they have enough?

A. Yes, they have exactly what they need
B. Yes, they have more than what they need
C. No, they do not have enough
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 1 liter has 1000 milliliters. To convert from milliliters to liters, the decimal point moves three places to the left. So, the bottle has 12000 mL of solution, which is a lot more than the required 12 mL. Therefore, the scientist has more than what they need. Choice A is incorrect as the bottle has more than the required amount. Choice C is incorrect as the bottle contains significantly more solution than needed. Choice D is incorrect as the scientist does have more than enough solution.

4. Which light color would be most effective for growing green plants indoors?

A. Blue
B. Yellow
C. Green
D. Orange

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Blue light is the most effective color for growing green plants indoors. Blue light has a higher energy level compared to other colors, which is crucial for promoting vegetative growth, strong stems, and lush foliage in plants. Additionally, blue light helps regulate plant growth hormones, making it essential for the overall health and development of green plants. Yellow, green, and orange light do not provide the necessary energy levels or spectrum needed for optimal plant growth, making them less effective choices for growing green plants indoors.

5. What is the term for the movement of ions and other molecular substances across cell membranes without the need for energy?

A. Active Transport
B. Passive Transport
C. Diffusion
D. Osmosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Passive transport refers to the movement of substances across cell membranes without the need for energy input. In contrast, active transport, choice A, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. Diffusion, choice C, is a type of passive transport where substances move from an area of high concentration to low concentration. Osmosis, choice D, specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.