why is polarity the most important characteristic of water

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

1. Why is polarity the most important characteristic of water?

A. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
B. the results of the polarity are covalent bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
C. the results of the polarity are ionic bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
D. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Polarity is the most important characteristic of water because it results in hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties. These unique properties enable water to form hydrogen bonds with other substances, resist temperature changes, and dissolve a wide variety of solutes, making it essential for life processes. Choice B is incorrect because water exhibits hydrogen bonding, not covalent bonding. Choice C is incorrect as water does not form ionic bonds. Choice D is incorrect because water has a high, not low, specific heat value, which is vital for its role in temperature regulation.

2. In which phase of mitosis do new nuclear membranes form around sets of chromosomes?

A. Prophase
B. Anaphase
C. Telophase
D. Interphase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Telophase. During telophase, the final phase of mitosis, new nuclear membranes form around sets of chromosomes at the opposite poles of the cell. This process marks the completion of nuclear division in mitosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in prophase, chromosomes condense but nuclear membranes are not formed; in anaphase, chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles but no new nuclear membranes are formed; and in interphase, the cell prepares for division but nuclear membranes are not forming around sets of chromosomes.

3. Which organelle provides storage space for the cell?

A. Mitochondrion
B. Vacuole
C. Cell membrane
D. Ribosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vacuole. The vacuole is the organelle responsible for providing storage space in the cell. It stores water, nutrients, waste products, and other essential materials required by the cell. Vacuoles are crucial for maintaining cell structure and regulating cellular processes. Mitochondrion (choice A) is known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing energy. The cell membrane (choice C) is a protective barrier around the cell, regulating what enters and exits the cell. Ribosomes (choice D) are involved in protein synthesis, not storage.

4. When the genotype consists of a dominant and a recessive allele, the phenotype will be like the _ allele.

A. Dominant
B. Recessive
C. Both
D. Neither

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the genotype consists of a dominant and a recessive allele, the phenotype will be like the dominant allele. This is because dominant alleles typically mask the expression of recessive alleles. Therefore, the dominant allele will be expressed in the phenotype in most basic cases. The recessive allele will only be expressed phenotypically if the individual is homozygous recessive. Choice B, 'Recessive,' is incorrect because the phenotype will not be like the recessive allele in this case. Choice C, 'Both,' is incorrect because in simple dominant-recessive inheritance, the dominant allele will overshadow the recessive allele. Choice D, 'Neither,' is incorrect as the phenotype will resemble the dominant allele.

5. Epithelial cells are:

A. Polarized
B. Neutral
C. Larger than other cells
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Epithelial cells have a distinct top (apical) and bottom (basal) side, demonstrating polarity. This polarity is essential for their specialized functions, such as secretion, absorption, and barrier formation. Choice B, 'Neutral,' is incorrect as epithelial cells exhibit polarity. Choice C, 'Larger than other cells,' is incorrect as epithelial cells come in various sizes and are not specifically larger than other cell types. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as epithelial cells are indeed polarized.