which is true of gametes

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which is true of gametes?

A. They are diploid cells
B. They are haploid cells
C. They are somatic
D. A & C are true

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Gametes are sex cells (sperm and eggs) that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are haploid cells, meaning they have half the number of chromosomes (n) compared to diploid cells. This is necessary for the formation of a diploid zygote when two gametes unite during fertilization. Somatic cells are non-reproductive cells in the body, so they are not gametes. Choice A is incorrect because gametes are not diploid but haploid. Choice C is incorrect because gametes are not somatic cells.

2. The difference between diploid and haploid is as follows:

A. Diploid organisms are multicellular
B. Diploid cells are somatic
C. Diploid cells have two sets of homologous chromosomes
D. More than one of the above is true

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option B correctly states that diploid cells are somatic cells that make up the body tissues and organs in an organism, while haploid cells are gametes involved in sexual reproduction. Option C accurately differentiates diploid and haploid cells based on their chromosome sets – diploid cells have two sets of homologous chromosomes (one from each parent), whereas haploid cells have one set of unpaired chromosomes. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as both statements in options B and C are accurate descriptions of the differences between diploid and haploid cells. Option A is incorrect because diploid and haploid refer to the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell, not whether the organism is multicellular or not.

3. Why is DNA important for the metabolic activities of the cell?

A. It initiates cellular mitosis.
B. It provides cell wall stability.
C. It increases glucose absorption.
D. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: DNA is important for the metabolic activities of the cell because it controls the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are essential for catalyzing metabolic reactions in the cell. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because DNA is not directly involved in cellular mitosis, cell wall stability, or glucose absorption.

4. What organelle in the cell produces energy through the process of respiration?

A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondria
C. Golgi Apparatus
D. Chloroplasts

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitochondria. The mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing energy through respiration in eukaryotic cells. Choice A, the Nucleus, is not involved in energy production but rather houses the cell's genetic material. Choice C, the Golgi Apparatus, is responsible for packaging and processing proteins, not energy production. Choice D, Chloroplasts, are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, not respiration for energy production.

5. Which of the following is true of optical microscopy?

A. Utilizes scanning electrons
B. Utilizes visible light
C. Utilizes dye for samples
D. More than one of the above is true

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'More than one of the above is true.' Optical microscopy utilizes visible light (Choice B) and often involves the use of dyes for samples (Choice C). Using dyes helps enhance contrast, making it easier to visualize the structures being observed. Choice A is incorrect as optical microscopy does not utilize scanning electrons, but rather visible light.