most enzymes are made up of

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam

1. Most enzymes are made up of what?

A. proteins
B. lipids
C. starches
D. simple sugars

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Most enzymes are made up of proteins. Proteins are large biomolecules composed of amino acids that are vital for the structure and function of enzymes. Enzymes act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, speeding up the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms. They exhibit high specificity and efficiency due to their unique protein structures. Lipids, starches, and simple sugars are not typically the primary components of enzymes, making them incorrect choices.

2. Which of the following is true of heterozygous traits?

A. They are haploid
B. They are denoted AA
C. They are denoted aa
D. They are denoted Aa

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Heterozygous traits are denoted by having two different alleles for a particular gene, represented as Aa. This means that they are not haploid (A), not denoted AA (B), and not denoted aa (C). Therefore, the correct answer is D, as heterozygous traits are represented as Aa.

3. How do animal cells divide?

A. Through a contractile ring
B. Via a cell plate
C. Both methods
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Animal cells divide through a contractile ring made of actin and myosin filaments. The ring contracts, pinching the cell membrane in the middle to form two daughter cells. Plant cells use a cell plate due to their rigid cell walls, making choices B and C incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as animal cells do use the contractile ring method for division.

4. Cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities are often linked together by intimate physical connections. These connections are referred to as ______.

A. Separate desmosomes
B. Ronofilaments
C. Tight junctions
D. Fascia adherens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tight junctions. Tight junctions, also known as zonula occludens, are the intimate physical connections between cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities. These junctions form a virtually impermeable barrier to fluid, creating a tight seal between the cells. This helps in maintaining the integrity and function of the tissue as well as regulating the movement of substances across the cell layer. Choice A, Separate desmosomes, are cell structures that provide strong adhesion between cells but do not create a barrier to fluid. Choice B, Ronofilaments, is not a term used to describe the connections between cells. Choice D, Fascia adherens, are another type of cell junction involved in cell adhesion, but they are different from tight junctions in terms of their structure and function.

5. Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of proteins?

A. Endoplasmic Reticulum
B. Ribosomes
C. Lysosomes
D. Vacuoles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles involved in the synthesis of proteins. They are the cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins, making them essential for cell function and structure. The other organelles listed, such as the Endoplasmic Reticulum, Lysosomes, and Vacuoles, have different functions unrelated to protein synthesis. The Endoplasmic Reticulum plays a role in protein processing and transport, Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and Vacuoles are responsible for storage and maintaining cell turgor pressure.