which of the following is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. Which of the following is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell?

A. Nucleus
B. Chromatin
C. Mitochondria
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of ATP, which is the energy currency used for various cellular processes. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell, housing genetic material. Chromatin (Choice B) is a complex of DNA and proteins within the nucleus. Ribosomes (Choice D) are responsible for protein synthesis and not the primary energy production in the cell.

2. Which of the following organelles is known as the cell's digestion center?

A. Chloroplasts
B. Mitochondria
C. Lysosomes
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lysosomes. Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris within the cell, making them the cell's digestion center. Choice A, Chloroplasts, are responsible for photosynthesis. Choice B, Mitochondria, are the powerhouse of the cell, generating energy. Choice D, Ribosomes, are involved in protein synthesis. Therefore, Lysosomes are specifically known for their role in digestion within the cell.

3. Which cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Chromatin
C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
D. Mitochondria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chromatin. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense shape to fit into the nucleus of a cell. This compact packaging helps protect the DNA structure and regulate gene expression. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP.

4. Who discovered the basic principles of genetics using garden peas?

A. Curie
B. Mendel
C. Hawking
D. Galileo

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Mendel. Gregor Mendel is known as the father of genetics for his groundbreaking work with pea plants. He discovered the basic principles of heredity through his experiments, establishing the foundation of modern genetics. Choice A, Curie, is incorrect as Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist known for her pioneering research on radioactivity. Choice C, Hawking, is incorrect as Stephen Hawking was a theoretical physicist known for his work on black holes and cosmology. Choice D, Galileo, is incorrect as Galileo Galilei was an astronomer and physicist renowned for his contributions to the scientific revolution, particularly in astronomy.

5. Which of the following is not true of mitosis?

A. Mitosis produces daughter cells
B. Mitosis has five main stages
C. Mitosis can only be done by haploids
D. Following mitosis, daughter cells are identical to parent cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Mitosis occurs in diploid cells and involves stages that result in the production of two identical daughter cells. Haploids do not undergo mitosis, as mitosis is a process specific to diploid cells. Choice A is true as mitosis does produce daughter cells. Choice B is incorrect as mitosis typically consists of four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Choice D is true, as one of the main outcomes of mitosis is the production of daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.