why is dna important for metabolic activities of the cell

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. Why is DNA important for metabolic activities of the cell?

A. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.
B. It stabilizes the cell wall.
C. It initiates cell division.
D. It prevents diffusion of nutrients.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. DNA plays a crucial role in metabolic activities by controlling the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are the biological catalysts that regulate and facilitate metabolic reactions within the cell. Choice B is incorrect because DNA is not involved in stabilizing the cell wall; that role is usually associated with other components like the cell membrane. Choice C is incorrect as cell division is primarily regulated by different processes and molecules, not directly by DNA. Choice D is incorrect because DNA is not related to preventing the diffusion of nutrients; instead, it is involved in coding for proteins that aid in various cellular functions.

2. Which cells in the human body lack nuclei?

A. Nerve cells
B. Red blood cells
C. Liver cells
D. Connective tissue cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, lack nuclei in humans. This absence of a nucleus allows more space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, making red blood cells efficient at their function of oxygen transport in the body. Nerve cells (Choice A), liver cells (Choice C), and connective tissue cells (Choice D) all possess nuclei as they require genetic material for their functions, such as cell signaling, protein synthesis, and structural support.

3. Tundra, savannas, grasslands, deserts, and rainforests are examples of what?

A. Biomasses
B. Biospheres
C. Biodiversity
D. Biomes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tundra, savannas, grasslands, deserts, and rainforests are examples of biomes. A biome is a large geographical area with similar climatic conditions and distinct flora and fauna. Each biome has its unique characteristics, such as temperature, precipitation levels, and types of vegetation, which define the ecosystem within that region. Biomasses refer to the total mass of living organisms in a given area, biospheres are the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, and biodiversity represents the variety of life forms in a specific habitat.

4. Two organisms live in a relationship from which both benefit. What is this called?

A. Mutualism
B. Parasitism
C. Commensalism
D. Competition

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both parties benefit from the association. It is a mutually beneficial interaction where both organisms gain something valuable, such as food, protection, or some other resource. This contrasts with parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, commensalism, where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected, and competition, where both organisms are negatively affected by their interaction.

5. DNA bases include all but which of the following?

A. Adenine
B. Thymine
C. Uracil
D. Cytosine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Uracil. Uracil is not a DNA base; it is a base found only in RNA. The four bases in DNA are Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine. Choice A, Adenine, is a correct DNA base. Choice B, Thymine, is a correct DNA base. Choice D, Cytosine, is a correct DNA base. Therefore, Uracil is the only incorrect choice among the options provided.