most enzymes are made up of

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam

1. Most enzymes are made up of what?

A. proteins
B. lipids
C. starches
D. simple sugars

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Most enzymes are made up of proteins. Proteins are large biomolecules composed of amino acids that are vital for the structure and function of enzymes. Enzymes act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, speeding up the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms. They exhibit high specificity and efficiency due to their unique protein structures. Lipids, starches, and simple sugars are not typically the primary components of enzymes, making them incorrect choices.

2. 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.

3. What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

A. Chromosomes are duplicated.
B. Cell growth occurs.
C. DNA is synthesized.
D. DNA is destroyed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the S phase of the cell cycle, chromosomes are duplicated. This is a critical step in cell division as each chromosome is replicated to ensure that the resulting daughter cells receive an identical set of genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cell growth primarily occurs in the G1 phase, DNA synthesis happens during the S phase, and DNA destruction does not occur during any phase of the cell cycle.

4. Which cells in the human body lack nuclei?

A. Nerve cells
B. Red blood cells
C. Liver cells
D. Connective tissue cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, lack nuclei in humans. This absence of a nucleus allows more space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, making red blood cells efficient at their function of oxygen transport in the body. Nerve cells (Choice A), liver cells (Choice C), and connective tissue cells (Choice D) all possess nuclei as they require genetic material for their functions, such as cell signaling, protein synthesis, and structural support.

5. Which of the following is a tertiary consumer?

A. Owl
B. Shrew
C. Grasshopper
D. Wheat

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Owl. Tertiary consumers are organisms that feed on secondary consumers, which, in turn, feed on primary consumers. Owls are considered tertiary consumers because they primarily feed on animals such as rodents, which are secondary consumers. Shrew (choice B) is a secondary consumer, feeding on insects and worms, placing it at a lower trophic level than the owl. Grasshopper (choice C) is a primary consumer, feeding on plants. Wheat (choice D) is not a consumer in the food chain but a plant.