why is dna important for the metabolic activities of the cell

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

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

A. It initiates cellular mitosis.
B. It provides cell wall stability.
C. It increases glucose absorption.
D. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: DNA is important for the metabolic activities of the cell because it controls the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are essential for catalyzing metabolic reactions in the cell. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because DNA is not directly involved in cellular mitosis, cell wall stability, or glucose absorption.

2. What are the three main events of the haploid cell cycle?

A. DNA replication, mitosis, and cytokinesis
B. DNA replication, meiosis, and cytokinesis
C. DNA replication, cytokinesis, and degradation
D. Mitosis, meiosis, and apoptosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the haploid cell cycle, the three main events are DNA replication, where the cell's genetic material is duplicated; mitosis, which is the division of the nucleus to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes; and cytokinesis, the division of the cell cytoplasm to separate the two daughter cells. Meiosis is not part of the haploid cell cycle as it occurs in diploid cells to produce haploid gametes. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and is not a routine event in the cell cycle. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as meiosis and apoptosis are not part of the haploid cell cycle, and degradation is not a typical event in the cell cycle.

3. What is the role of ribosomes in the cell?

A. Break down cellular waste
B. Organize cellular division
C. Synthesize proteins
D. Provide cellular structure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Synthesize proteins. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis by linking amino acids together. Choice A is incorrect because ribosomes do not break down cellular waste. Choice B is incorrect as ribosomes do not organize cellular division. Choice D is incorrect because ribosomes do not provide cellular structure.

4. Which of the following organelles are responsible for producing cell energy?

A. Mitochondrion and chloroplast
B. Mitochondrion and nucleus
C. Chloroplast and nucleus
D. Chloroplast and lysosome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitochondrion and chloroplast. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for producing cell energy through cellular respiration and photosynthesis, respectively. Choice B is incorrect because the nucleus is not involved in energy production. Choice C is incorrect as the nucleus is not an organelle that produces energy. Choice D is incorrect as lysosomes function in digesting waste materials, not in energy production.

5. How does an enzyme work on a chemical reaction that occurs in a substrate?

A. An enzyme slows down the chemical reaction.
B. An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction.
C. An enzyme has no effect on the chemical reaction.
D. An enzyme stops most chemical reactions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Enzymes do not change the overall outcome of the reaction, but they significantly increase the rate at which it takes place. Therefore, choice B, 'An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not slow down, have no effect, or stop chemical reactions; instead, they accelerate the process by lowering the activation energy.