enzymes can reactions

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Enzymes can _ reactions.

A. Catalyze
B. Inhibit
C. Stop
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enzymes function as catalysts that promote and accelerate chemical reactions in biological systems. They do this by lowering the activation energy required for the reactions to occur, thereby speeding up the process without being consumed in the reaction. Enzymes facilitate reactions rather than inhibiting or stopping them. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Catalyze.' 'Inhibit' and 'Stop' are incorrect because enzymes do not hinder or halt reactions but rather enhance them.

2. What happens during anaphase?

A. Chromosomes move to opposite ends of the spindle.
B. Nuclear membrane and nucleoli disintegrate.
C. Chromatids line up at the center of the spindle.
D. Nuclear membrane and nucleoli form.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During anaphase, the sister chromatids, joined at the centromere, separate and move towards opposite ends of the spindle apparatus. This movement ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Choice B is incorrect as the disintegration of the nuclear membrane and nucleoli occurs during prophase. Choice C is incorrect as chromatids align at the center of the spindle during metaphase, not anaphase. Choice D is incorrect as the formation of the nuclear membrane and nucleoli occurs during telophase, not anaphase.

3. From which component do RNA and DNA derive their names?

A. From the sugar each contains
B. From the structure of their nucleotides
C. From the information they transfer
D. From their formative processes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: RNA and DNA derive their names from the sugar each contains. RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid, with 'ribo' indicating the ribose sugar in its structure. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, with 'deoxyribo' referring to the deoxyribose sugar in its structure. The sugars in RNA and DNA molecules distinguish them and are the basis for their names. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately explain how RNA and DNA derive their names.

4. What organelle pushes water out of the cell?

A. Lysosomes
B. Vacuoles (contractile)
C. Mitochondria
D. Nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vacuoles (contractile). Vacuoles (contractile) are responsible for expelling excess water out of the cell. Lysosomes are involved in the digestion and removal of waste materials, mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell involved in energy production, and the nucleus contains the cell's genetic material but does not play a role in pushing water out of the cell.

5. Which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology?

A. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids
B. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and calcium
C. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and sulfur
D. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and iron

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids are considered the most important molecules in biology. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy, lipids for storing energy and forming cell membranes, proteins for various structural and functional roles, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for storing genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are crucial biomolecules, calcium, sulfur, and iron are not considered among the most important molecules in biology.