which of the following serves as the information processing and administrative center of the cell

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. Which of the following serves as the information processing and administrative center of the cell?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus
D. Lysosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the nucleus. The nucleus is indeed the information processing and administrative center of the cell as it contains the genetic material (DNA) and is responsible for controlling cellular activities. The Golgi apparatus (Choice A) is involved in processing and packaging proteins, the cytoplasm (Choice B) is the fluid that fills the cell and provides a medium for organelles to be suspended, and lysosomes (Choice D) are responsible for digesting waste materials and foreign invaders. Therefore, the nucleus is the most appropriate choice for the given function.

2. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. Where does this process occur?

A. In the cytoplasm
B. In the nuclear envelope
C. In the ribosome unit
D. In the nucleus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: In the nucleus. Transcription, the initial step of protein synthesis, takes place in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where translation occurs on the ribosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transcription specifically occurs in the nucleus, not in the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, or ribosome unit.

3. What are the two primary products of photosynthesis?

A. Sugar and oxygen
B. Sugar and carbon dioxide
C. Oxygen and nitrogen
D. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sugar and oxygen. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen using sunlight. Choice B, 'Sugar and carbon dioxide,' is incorrect because carbon dioxide is one of the reactants, not a product. Choice C, 'Oxygen and nitrogen,' is incorrect as nitrogen is not a direct product of photosynthesis. Choice D, 'Nitrogen and carbon dioxide,' is incorrect because nitrogen is not a product of photosynthesis, and carbon dioxide is a reactant.

4. Which organelle has the ability to hydrolyze fats, nucleic acids, proteins, and sugars?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Lysosomes. Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down various biomolecules such as fats, nucleic acids, proteins, and sugars. This organelle acts as the 'digestive system' of the cell. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis, mitochondria are responsible for energy production, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not the hydrolysis of biomolecules.

5. Which of the following is not found in a prokaryotic cell?

A. Plasma membrane
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Nucleus.' Prokaryotic cells do not have a defined nucleus, unlike eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes are all components found in prokaryotic cells. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and exits, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.