what function does cholesterol a phospholipid serve within the cell membrane

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. What function does cholesterol, a phospholipid, serve within the cell membrane?

A. It builds up fats to make the structure more flexible
B. It allows protein channels to form
C. It makes the structure very rigid and impermeable
D. It stabilizes the membrane structure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cholesterol helps to maintain the fluidity and stability of the cell membrane by fitting between the phospholipid molecules. Choice A is incorrect because cholesterol does not build up fats in the cell membrane. Choice B is incorrect as protein channels are formed by proteins, not cholesterol. Choice C is incorrect as cholesterol actually helps regulate the fluidity of the membrane, making it less rigid and more permeable.

2. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. Where does this process occur?

A. In the cytoplasm
B. In the nuclear envelope
C. In the ribosome unit
D. In the nucleus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: In the nucleus. Transcription, the initial step of protein synthesis, takes place in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where translation occurs on the ribosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transcription specifically occurs in the nucleus, not in the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, or ribosome unit.

3. Which of the following molecules contains the code required for replication?

A. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
B. Transfer RNA (tRNA)
C. Messenger RNA (mRNA)
D. Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA contains the genetic information essential for replication, ensuring the accurate transmission of genetic material from one generation to the next. Choice B, Transfer RNA (tRNA), is involved in protein synthesis, not replication. Choice C, Messenger RNA (mRNA), carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome but does not contain the code for replication. Choice D, Ribonucleic acid (RNA), is a broader category that includes both mRNA and tRNA, but the specific molecule containing the code required for replication is DNA.

4. Which of the following is not true of mitosis?

A. Mitosis produces daughter cells
B. Mitosis has five main stages
C. Mitosis can only be done by haploids
D. Following mitosis, daughter cells are identical to parent cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Mitosis occurs in diploid cells and involves stages that result in the production of two identical daughter cells. Haploids do not undergo mitosis, as mitosis is a process specific to diploid cells. Choice A is true as mitosis does produce daughter cells. Choice B is incorrect as mitosis typically consists of four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Choice D is true, as one of the main outcomes of mitosis is the production of daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.

5. Which of the following options correctly lists the five stages of mitosis in order from beginning to end?

A. Prophase, Prometaphase, Telophase, Metaphase, Anaphase
B. Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
C. Metaphase, Anaphase, Prophase, Prometaphase, Telophase
D. Metaphase, Telophase, Anaphase, Prophase, Prometaphase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of the stages of mitosis is Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. Choice A is incorrect because it has Anaphase and Metaphase in the wrong order. Choice C is incorrect as it starts with Metaphase, which is not the first stage of mitosis. Choice D is incorrect as it also has the stages in the wrong order, and it starts with Metaphase, which is incorrect.