which molecule is primarily responsible for storing energy in cells

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. Which molecule is primarily responsible for storing energy in cells?

A. Glucose
B. ATP
C. Fatty acids
D. Starch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: ATP is the correct answer because it is the molecule responsible for storing and providing energy in cells. Glucose is a source of energy but not primarily for storage. Fatty acids are more involved in energy production through oxidation. Starch is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in plants.

2. How does an enzyme work on a chemical reaction that occurs in a substrate?

A. An enzyme slows down the chemical reaction.
B. An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction.
C. An enzyme has no effect on the chemical reaction.
D. An enzyme stops most chemical reactions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Enzymes do not change the overall outcome of the reaction, but they significantly increase the rate at which it takes place. Therefore, choice B, 'An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not slow down, have no effect, or stop chemical reactions; instead, they accelerate the process by lowering the activation energy.

3. Which statement is true of enzymes?

A. They are made from lipids.
B. They are made from proteins.
C. They form double chains of DNA.
D. They bind with catalysts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Enzymes are made from proteins. Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. While the majority of enzymes are proteins, a few are made from RNA. The statement that enzymes are made from lipids (choice A) is incorrect. Enzymes do not form double chains of DNA (choice C) as their primary function is not related to DNA structure. Additionally, enzymes themselves do not bind with catalysts (choice D); instead, they act as catalysts to facilitate reactions.

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

A. Kingdom, phylum, class, order
B. Kingdom, phylum, order, class
C. Kingdom, order, phylum, class
D. Kingdom, class, order, phylum

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. Which bacteria are spherical in shape?

A. Clostridia
B. Bacilli
C. Spirilla
D. Cocci

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cocci. Bacteria that are spherical in shape are known as cocci. They can be found in various arrangements such as clusters, chains, or pairs. Examples of cocci bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Choice A, Clostridia, consists of rod-shaped bacteria. Choice B, Bacilli, refers to rod-shaped bacteria as well. Choice C, Spirilla, are spiral-shaped bacteria, not spherical.