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 of the following is not a function of the skeletal system?

A. Providing the shape and form of our bodies
B. Supporting and protecting the body
C. Producing blood
D. Storing vitamins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Producing blood is not a function of the skeletal system. Blood production primarily occurs in the bone marrow, which is found within the bones. The skeletal system provides the shape and form of our bodies, supports and protects the body, and stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus for various functions. Storing vitamins is not a primary function of the skeletal system, although some vitamins may play a role in bone health.

3. Which of the following bases is not present in RNA?

A. Adenine
B. Thymine
C. Uracil
D. Cytosine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thymine is not present in RNA. RNA uses uracil as one of its bases, which pairs with adenine. In RNA, adenine does not pair with thymine as in DNA. Cytosine and guanine are the other two bases found in both RNA and DNA.

4. Why do high-salt content foods not require refrigeration to prevent spoilage?

A. Osmosis
B. Diffusion
C. Active transport
D. Passive transport

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Osmosis is the natural process that prevents high-salt content foods from spoiling without the need for refrigeration. Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (water) to an area of higher solute concentration (salt). In high-salt content foods, the salt acts as a preservative by drawing moisture out of bacteria or other microorganisms, making it difficult for them to survive and spoil the food. This process helps in preserving the food and preventing spoilage even without refrigeration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve the specific mechanism of water movement in response to the salt concentration in high-salt content foods.

5. Which organelle is found in protists but not in monerans?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Chromosome
C. Cytoplasm
D. Cell membrane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Golgi apparatus is the correct answer. The Golgi apparatus is a cellular organelle responsible for processing and packaging proteins before they are transported to their final destination. Protists, being eukaryotic organisms, have membrane-bound organelles including the Golgi apparatus, which are absent in monerans. Monerans are prokaryotic organisms that lack membrane-bound structures such as the Golgi apparatus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as chromosomes, cytoplasm, and cell membranes are present in both protists and monerans.