what happens to glucose during glycolysis

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology 2024

1. What happens to glucose during glycolysis?

A. Its energy is entirely lost.
B. It splits into molecules of pyruvic acid.
C. It is stored in NADH.
D. It joins with molecules of citric acid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During glycolysis, glucose undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions in the cytoplasm of the cell, resulting in its breakdown into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This process also generates ATP and NADH as energy carriers. Choice A is incorrect because glucose is not entirely lost, but rather converted into other molecules. Choice C is incorrect because NADH is a product of glycolysis, not a storage form for glucose. Choice D is incorrect as glucose does not join with molecules of citric acid during glycolysis, but rather in subsequent stages of cellular respiration.

2. Why is DNA important for the metabolic activities of the cell?

A. It initiates cellular mitosis.
B. It provides cell wall stability.
C. It increases glucose absorption.
D. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: DNA is important for the metabolic activities of the cell because it controls the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are essential for catalyzing metabolic reactions in the cell. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because DNA is not directly involved in cellular mitosis, cell wall stability, or glucose absorption.

3. During which phase of mitosis do the chromosomes align in the center of the cell?

A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Telophase
D. Anaphase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Metaphase. During Metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the center of the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate. This alignment ensures that during the subsequent phase, Anaphase, the sister chromatids can separate and move towards opposite poles. Prophase is the initial phase of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Telophase is the final phase of mitosis where two new nuclei form.

4. Which is not a product of the Krebs cycle?

A. ATP
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Glucose
D. NADH

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Glucose is not a direct product of the Krebs cycle. Glucose is a starting molecule that undergoes glycolysis outside the mitochondria to produce pyruvate, which then enters the mitochondrial matrix to participate in the Krebs cycle. The Krebs cycle primarily generates ATP, carbon dioxide, and NADH as products. Choices A, B, and D are all products of the Krebs cycle, making them incorrect answers.

5. 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.