what is the first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. What is the first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate through a series of enzymatic reactions. Choice B, the Krebs cycle, occurs after glycolysis in aerobic cellular respiration. Choice C, the Electron transport chain, is the final step in aerobic respiration where the majority of ATP is produced. Choice D, Aerobic respiration, is a broader term that encompasses glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain, but it is not the specific first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate.

2. Which part of cellular respiration produces the greatest amount of ATP?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron transport chain (ETC) produces the greatest amount of ATP during cellular respiration. This process occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane and involves the transfer of electrons through a series of protein complexes, creating a proton gradient that drives the synthesis of ATP. By utilizing the energy from the electron carriers NADH and FADH2 produced in earlier stages of cellular respiration, the ETC can generate a large amount of ATP efficiently through oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis only produces a small amount of ATP in comparison to the ETC. The citric acid cycle generates some ATP but not as much as the ETC. Fermentation does not produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and yields a much smaller amount of ATP compared to the ETC.

3. Why is the nucleus important in a cell?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nucleus is important in a cell because it stores the DNA, which contains the genetic information necessary for the cell's function and replication. This genetic material controls the cell's activities and characteristics. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because supporting the cell, making proteins, and producing energy are functions typically associated with other cell organelles like the cytoskeleton, ribosomes, and mitochondria, respectively.

4. Which gives the order of four taxonomic categories from least to most specific?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct order of the four taxonomic categories from least to most specific is Kingdom, phylum, class, and order. This sequence adheres to the hierarchical system of classification where organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics, becoming more specific as you move from Kingdom to order. Choice B is incorrect as the order of 'order' and 'class' is swapped. Choice C is incorrect as 'order' precedes 'phylum' instead of following it. Choice D is incorrect as 'class' should come before 'order'.

5. What process involves the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Osmosis is the process specifically involving the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane, from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. This process helps balance concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Choice A, Diffusion, refers to the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, not specific to water. Choice C, Active Transport, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, unlike osmosis. Choice D, Facilitated Diffusion, involves the use of transport proteins to move specific substances across membranes, not limited to water molecules.

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