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. Which of the following terms is used to represent two alleles that are the same type?

A. Homosynchronous
B. Hypersynchronous
C. Heterozygous
D. Homozygous

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Homozygous.' Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene. In this context, 'Homosynchronous' (choice A) is not a recognized genetic term. 'Hypersynchronous' (choice B) is not a term used in genetics. 'Heterozygous' (choice C) refers to having two different alleles for a particular gene, which is the opposite of homozygous.

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 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: The correct answer is B: Chromatin. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense shape to fit into the nucleus of a cell. This compact packaging helps protect the DNA structure and regulate gene expression. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP.

5. Which of the following is not found in a prokaryotic cell?

A. Plasma membrane
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Nucleus.' Prokaryotic cells do not have a defined nucleus, unlike eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes are all components found in prokaryotic cells. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and exits, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.