which of these is not an example of a lipid

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam

1. Which of these is not an example of a lipid?

A. Butter
B. Wax
C. Canola oil
D. Honey

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Honey is not an example of a lipid because lipids are fat-related molecules that are insoluble in water, while honey is a natural sweet substance made by bees and primarily consists of sugars such as glucose and fructose. Butter, wax, and canola oil are examples of lipids as they are all composed of fat-related molecules that do not dissolve in water.

2. Why is yeast used to make bread rise?

A. It engages in photosynthesis, which produces oxygen gas.
B. Carbon dioxide forms while yeast carries out photosynthesis.
C. Yeast carries out fermentation, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
D. Yeast breathes in oxygen and produces carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Yeast is used to make bread rise because it carries out fermentation, producing carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise and create a fluffy texture in the bread. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because yeast does not engage in photosynthesis, so it does not produce oxygen gas, does not carry out photosynthesis to form carbon dioxide, and does not produce carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration. Yeast's fermentation process is essential for bread rising.

3. What is the term for the breakdown of glycogen into glucose subunits?

A. Hydrolysis
B. Reduction
C. Metabolism
D. Transpiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hydrolysis is the term used to describe the breakdown of large molecules into smaller units by adding water. In the case of glycogen being broken down into glucose subunits, this process involves the addition of water molecules to break the glycosidic bonds between glucose molecules, resulting in the release of individual glucose subunits. This process is crucial for providing cells with a source of energy when needed. Choice B, Reduction, refers to a chemical reaction involving a gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state, not the breakdown of glycogen into glucose subunits. Choice C, Metabolism, is a broad term encompassing all biochemical processes in an organism, including anabolism and catabolism, but does not specifically describe the breakdown of glycogen into glucose subunits. Choice D, Transpiration, is the process of water movement through a plant and is not related to the breakdown of glycogen into glucose subunits.

4. Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?

A. Nucleus
B. Cell membrane
C. Endoplasmic reticulum
D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.

5. During protein synthesis, what process creates a complementary strand of RNA from a DNA template?

A. Transcription
B. Translation
C. Transformation
D. Replication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During protein synthesis, transcription is the process that creates a complementary RNA strand from a DNA template. This process involves the synthesis of mRNA using DNA as a template. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it is the process where the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific polypeptide chain. Choice C, 'Transformation,' is not related to the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. Choice D, 'Replication,' is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical DNA molecule, not RNA.