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. Dogs are part of a larger animal group, the Carnivora. What classification is this?

A. Kingdom
B. Class
C. Order
D. Genus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The classification 'Carnivora' refers to an order in the taxonomic hierarchy. In the Linnaean classification system, the order comes below the class but above the family level. Therefore, Carnivora is a higher classification that includes dog species as well as other carnivorous mammals like cats, bears, and weasels. Option A (Kingdom) is too broad and refers to the highest taxonomic rank. Option B (Class) is a lower taxonomic rank than order. Option D (Genus) is a much more specific rank that comes below the family level in the Linnaean hierarchy.

3. The scientific name for a house cat is Felis catus. This indicates the house cat’s _ and _.

A. kingdom; family
B. order; subspecies
C. phylum; class
D. genus; species

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The scientific name for an organism consists of its genus and species. In this case, 'Felis' refers to the genus, while 'catus' refers to the species, thus indicating the house cat's genus and species as Felis catus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a scientific name does not include information about the kingdom, family, order, subspecies, phylum, or class of an organism.

4. How are lipids different from other organic molecules?

A. They are indivisible.
B. They are not water soluble.
C. They contain zinc.
D. They form long proteins.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'They are not water soluble.' Lipids are not water-soluble, which distinguishes them from other organic molecules. Choice A is incorrect because lipids are not indivisible; they can be broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. Choice C is incorrect as lipids do not necessarily contain zinc; they are a diverse group of molecules. Choice D is incorrect because lipids do not form long proteins; proteins are made up of amino acids, not lipids.

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.