which component of the cell contributes to the protection communication and passage of substances into and out of the cell

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?

A. Nucleus
B. Cell membrane
C. Endoplasmic reticulum
D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.

2. Which organelle is responsible for organizing protein synthesis?

A. Nucleus
B. Ribosome
C. Lysosome
D. Vacuole

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ribosome. Ribosomes are responsible for organizing protein synthesis by assembling amino acids. They are the cellular machinery where proteins are synthesized. The other choices, such as the nucleus, lysosome, and vacuole, do not directly participate in protein synthesis. The nucleus contains DNA and controls cell activities, the lysosome is involved in digestion and waste removal, and the vacuole is responsible for storage and maintaining cell turgor pressure.

3. Humans, or Homo sapiens, are part of the family ___________.

A. Animalia
B. Hominidae
C. Mammalia
D. Chordata

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Humans, or Homo sapiens, are part of the family Hominidae, which includes great apes such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. This family belongs to the order Primates within the class Mammalia. Choice A (Animalia) refers to the animal kingdom, not the family of humans. Choice C (Mammalia) is the class to which the family Hominidae belongs, not the family itself. Choice D (Chordata) is the phylum to which humans and other animals with a notochord belong, not the specific family.

4. Why doesn't an antibiotic work for treating the flu?

A. The antibiotic is for a different type of infection
B. The antibiotic is not effective against viruses
C. The antibiotic is not prescribed in a high enough dosage
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like the flu. The flu is caused by a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the fact that antibiotics do not work on viruses. Choice C is incorrect as the issue is not related to the dosage amount, but rather the nature of the infection. Choice D is incorrect as there is a specific reason why antibiotics do not work for the flu.

5. How are molecules of water bonded to each other?

A. Ionic
B. Covalent
C. Hydrogen
D. Molecular

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water molecules are bonded to each other by 'hydrogen' bonds. These bonds are not as strong as covalent bonds, which hold the atoms within each water molecule together (Choice B). Ionic bonds (Choice A) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms, which is not the case in water molecules. The term 'molecular' (Choice D) is too general and doesn't specifically describe the type of bond between water molecules.