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. How many phases are there in the process of mitosis?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: '4'. Mitosis consists of four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. These phases are crucial in the orderly division of the cell's genetic material. Choice A is incorrect because mitosis is a more complex process involving multiple phases. Choice B is incorrect as it is one phase short of the total phases in mitosis. Choice D is incorrect as mitosis does not consist of five phases.

3. How is the plasma membrane arranged?

A. In a single layer made of proteins
B. In a double layer made of proteins
C. In a single layer of phospholipids
D. In a double layer of phospholipids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The plasma membrane is arranged in a double layer of phospholipids, known as a phospholipid bilayer. This structure consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules with hydrophilic heads facing the exterior and hydrophobic tails facing the interior, providing a semipermeable barrier for the cell. Choice A is incorrect because the plasma membrane is not made of a single layer of proteins. Choice B is incorrect as the double layer is composed of phospholipids, not proteins. Choice C is incorrect as the plasma membrane is not made of a single layer of phospholipids but rather a double layer.

4. Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?

A. RNA
B. Virus
C. Blue-green alga
D. Saprophyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.

5. What takes place in a lysosome?

A. Ribosomes are made.
B. Food is produced.
C. Water is stored.
D. Food is digested.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a lysosome, food particles are digested through the action of enzymes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down large molecules into smaller ones, allowing the cell to utilize the nutrients for energy and other processes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ribosomes are not made in lysosomes, food is not produced in lysosomes, and lysosomes do not store water.