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. What is the most significant contributor to cellular function?

A. Proteins
B. Phospholipids
C. Carbohydrates
D. Fatty acids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Proteins. Proteins are the most significant contributor to cellular function as they play crucial roles in almost all biological processes. They act as enzymes that catalyze reactions, are involved in cell signaling pathways, and provide structural support to cells. Phospholipids (Choice B), while important for cell membrane structure, do not have the same diverse functions as proteins in cellular processes. Carbohydrates (Choice C) primarily serve as an energy source and structural components but are not as versatile in cellular functions as proteins. Fatty acids (Choice D) are essential components of cell membranes and energy storage molecules but do not have the same broad range of functions as proteins in cellular processes.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following organelles is known as the cell's transportation center?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Mitochondria
D. Lysosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids within the cell. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP. Lysosomes are involved in the digestion and recycling of cellular waste.

5. Which of the following options identifies the products of cell respiration?

A. Water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen
B. Glucose and oxygen
C. Water, carbon dioxide, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
D. Water, glucose, and oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Water, carbon dioxide, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).' During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce water, carbon dioxide, and ATP. Choice A is incorrect as oxygen is not a product of cell respiration but a reactant. Choice B is incorrect as it lists glucose and oxygen, which are actually reactants in the process. Choice D is incorrect as glucose is not a product of cell respiration but a substrate that is broken down to release energy.