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. Which component is not found in the nucleotide of DNA?

A. Simple sugar
B. Nitrogen base
C. Phosphate group
D. Citric acid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Citric acid is not found in the nucleotide of DNA. A DNA nucleotide is composed of a simple sugar (deoxyribose), a nitrogen base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine), and a phosphate group. Citric acid is not part of DNA nucleotides; instead, it is involved in the citric acid cycle of cellular respiration. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of DNA nucleotides, making them incorrect answers.

3. During which phase of mitosis does the nuclear envelope disintegrate?

A. Prophase
B. Prophase
C. Prometaphase
D. Metaphase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the prometaphase stage of mitosis, the nuclear envelope disintegrates. This allows the condensed chromosomes to move towards the center of the cell, preparing for their alignment along the metaphase plate. The breakdown of the nuclear envelope is a crucial step in mitosis to ensure the proper segregation of genetic material into daughter cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as the nuclear envelope disintegration specifically occurs during the prometaphase stage, not in prophase or metaphase.

4. In order, from lower to upper, the layers of the atmosphere are:

A. Exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
B. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
C. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
D. Thermosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, exosphere

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of the layers of the atmosphere, from lower to upper, is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer where weather phenomena occur. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere is where most meteorites burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. The thermosphere is characterized by high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation. The exosphere is the outermost layer where the atmosphere transitions into space. Therefore, option B is the correct sequence, as it reflects the ascending order of the Earth's atmospheric layers.

5. Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing ATP in cells?

A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondrion
C. Chloroplast
D. Lysosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mitochondrion.' Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material and controlling cell activities, not for ATP production. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, not ATP production. Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, not ATP production.