what cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging dna into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the dna structure a

HESI RN

Biology Test

1. What cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Chromatin
C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
D. Mitochondria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chromatin is the correct answer. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense structure to fit into the nucleus and protect the DNA. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, not DNA. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production, not DNA packaging.

2. Which of the following is a lipid that is a membrane component and a precursor to significant hormones?

A. Nucleic acids
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Steroids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Steroids. Steroids are a type of lipid that function as essential components of cell membranes and serve as precursors for significant hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Nucleic acids (choice A) are not lipids but are molecules like DNA and RNA that store genetic information. Proteins (choice B) and carbohydrates (choice C) are biomolecules but are not lipids and do not serve as precursors for hormones or membrane components.

3. Water is a polar molecule that can be:

A. cohesive and corrosive
B. cohesive and adhesive
C. electrostatic and ionic
D. repellent and attractive

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water is a polar molecule due to an uneven distribution of electrons, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds. This property makes water both cohesive (attracted to itself) and adhesive (attracted to other substances). Choice A is incorrect because water is not corrosive; rather, it is a solvent. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not describe the cohesive and adhesive properties of water.

4. In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced from:

A. 46 to 23
B. 46 to 33
C. 28 to 14
D. 24 to 12

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "46 to 23." In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced by half to form gametes for sexual reproduction. In humans, where the diploid chromosome number is 46, meiosis results in haploid cells with 23 chromosomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the correct reduction in chromosome number during meiosis.

5. Where can ribosomes be found inside a cell?

A. Attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and in the cytoplasm
B. Within the cellular membrane
C. Attached to the Golgi apparatus and in the cytoplasm
D. Within the nucleus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ribosomes can be found attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or free-floating in the cytoplasm. The correct answer is A because ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins and are commonly found on the ER or in the cytoplasm. Choice B is incorrect because ribosomes are not typically located within the cellular membrane. Choice C is incorrect as ribosomes are not attached to the Golgi apparatus; instead, they are involved in protein synthesis. Choice D is incorrect as ribosomes are not found within the nucleus but rather in the cytoplasm or attached to the ER.