cells need to use exocytosis because

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Why do cells need to use exocytosis?

A. To obtain energy
B. To defend against invaders
C. To remove waste products
D. To undergo division

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cells need to use exocytosis to remove waste products from the cell. Exocytosis is a process where cells release molecules or substances outside the cell by fusing vesicles with the cell membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis by efficiently eliminating waste materials. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because exocytosis is specifically involved in the expulsion of molecules, not for obtaining energy, defending against invaders, or cell division.

2. What is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy?

A. Citric Acid Cycle
B. Glycolysis
C. Electron Transport Chain
D. Photosynthesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Citric Acid Cycle and Electron Transport Chain occur later in cellular respiration, while Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

3. What process involves the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane?

A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Active Transport
D. Facilitated Diffusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Osmosis is the process specifically involving the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane, from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. This process helps balance concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Choice A, Diffusion, refers to the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, not specific to water. Choice C, Active Transport, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, unlike osmosis. Choice D, Facilitated Diffusion, involves the use of transport proteins to move specific substances across membranes, not limited to water molecules.

4. What helps the cell maintain its shape and allows it to adapt?

A. Microfilaments
B. Cytoplasm
C. Cytoskeleton
D. Centrioles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The cytoskeleton is the correct answer. It provides structural support to the cell, helps maintain its shape, and enables it to adapt to different environments. Microfilaments are part of the cytoskeleton, but they alone do not encompass the entire cytoskeleton's functions. Cytoplasm is the fluid inside the cell where organelles are suspended and is not directly responsible for maintaining cell shape. Centrioles are involved in cell division and do not primarily contribute to maintaining the cell's shape and adaptation.

5. Which of the following organisms would not have eukaryotic cells?

A. Bacteria
B. Dog
C. Human
D. Onion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Bacteria. Bacteria do not have eukaryotic cells. They are single-celled organisms with prokaryotic cells. Dogs, humans, and onions are all multicellular organisms that possess eukaryotic cells. Therefore, choices B, C, and D have eukaryotic cells and are not the correct answer.