the system maintains the bodys balance through the release of directly into the bloodstream

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream?

A. The gastrointestinal system
B. The endocrine system
C. The digestive system
D. The endocrine system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The endocrine system. The endocrine system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones produced by glands in the endocrine system regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by releasing hormones that help control and coordinate different processes in the body. Choices A, C, and B are incorrect. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste; the digestive system includes the gastrointestinal system and other accessory organs; and choice B is a duplicate of the correct answer.

2. What is the first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate?

A. Glycolysis
B. Krebs cycle
C. Electron transport chain
D. Aerobic respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate through a series of enzymatic reactions. Choice B, the Krebs cycle, occurs after glycolysis in aerobic cellular respiration. Choice C, the Electron transport chain, is the final step in aerobic respiration where the majority of ATP is produced. Choice D, Aerobic respiration, is a broader term that encompasses glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain, but it is not the specific first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate.

3. What is represented by this formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂?

A. Glycolysis
B. Cellular respiration
C. Photosynthesis
D. Electronic transport

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The formula represents the process of photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are converted into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) using light energy. This process is essential for plants and some microorganisms to produce food and oxygen. Glycolysis and cellular respiration involve breaking down glucose to produce energy, and the electron transport chain is part of cellular respiration, not photosynthesis.

4. Where is the ovary located in a flowering plant?

A. Anther
B. Pistil
C. Stamen
D. Calyx

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ovary is located in the pistil of a flowering plant. The pistil is the female reproductive part of the flower, and it consists of the ovary, style, and stigma. The ovary contains ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization. Choice A, 'Anther,' is incorrect because the anther is the part of the flower's stamen that produces pollen. Choice C, 'Stamen,' is incorrect because the stamen is the male reproductive part of the flower, consisting of the anther and filament. Choice D, 'Calyx,' is incorrect because the calyx is the outermost whorl of a flower, composed of sepals that protect the flower bud.

5. Which type of passive transport uses proteins that change shape to move a target molecule through the membrane?

A. Diffusion
B. Carrier proteins
C. Channel proteins
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carrier proteins. Carrier proteins are involved in facilitated diffusion, a type of passive transport where specific target molecules are moved across the membrane with the help of proteins that change shape. These carrier proteins bind to the target molecule on one side of the membrane, undergo a conformational change, and then release the molecule on the other side. This process is crucial for the selective transport of certain molecules that cannot pass through the membrane by simple diffusion. Choices A and C are incorrect because diffusion and channel proteins do not involve proteins that change shape to transport target molecules selectively. Choice D is incorrect as carrier proteins fit the description provided in the question.