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. Why does cytokinesis happen?

A. DNA can duplicate
B. Organelles can convert energy
C. Bacteria can be killed
D. Daughter cells can divide

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cytokinesis happens at the end of mitosis to physically separate the newly formed daughter cells. This allows the cell to divide into two separate daughter cells, each containing a complete set of genetic material (DNA) and organelles. The purpose of cytokinesis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives the necessary components to function independently. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cytokinesis does not directly involve DNA duplication, organelles converting energy, or killing bacteria.

3. In an example of a male with hemophilia and a female carrier, what ratio of the offspring is predicted to have the disease?

A. 0 female : 2 males
B. 1 female : 0 males
C. 1 female : 2 males
D. 2 females : 1 male

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the male offspring will inherit the hemophilia trait from their mother due to the sex-linked inheritance pattern. The female offspring will inherit one X chromosome from their mother, becoming carriers of hemophilia. Therefore, the predicted ratio of offspring with the disease would be 1 female as a carrier and 2 males with hemophilia. Choice A is incorrect because there would be male offspring with the disease. Choice B is incorrect as there would be male offspring with hemophilia. Choice D is incorrect as it does not reflect the inheritance pattern of hemophilia.

4. During protein synthesis, what process uses an RNA strand to produce a complementary strand of DNA?

A. Transcription
B. Translation
C. Transfer synthesis
D. Codon synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During transcription, an RNA strand is used to produce a complementary strand of DNA. This process is essential for converting the genetic information stored in DNA into RNA. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it involves the synthesis of proteins from mRNA. Choice C, 'Transfer synthesis,' is not a recognized term in molecular biology. Choice D, 'Codon synthesis,' is also incorrect as it does not refer to the process of using an RNA strand to produce a complementary DNA strand.

5. Which organelle contains the genetic material of the cell?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Ribosome
C. Endoplasmic reticulum
D. Nucleus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Nucleus.' The nucleus is the organelle that contains the cell's genetic material, which is the DNA. The genetic material in the nucleus controls the cell's activities and plays a crucial role in inheritance. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging of proteins; ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis; and endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transportation, but none of them contain the genetic material of the cell.