what is the basic unit of life
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024

1. What is the fundamental unit of life?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Cell.' Cells are indeed the fundamental unit of life as they are responsible for all living functions, including growth, reproduction, and maintaining homeostasis. While atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, cells are the smallest structural and functional unit of living organisms. Choices C and D, tissue and organ respectively, are composed of multiple cells working together and are not considered the basic unit of life.

2. If a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, what will happen to the egg?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, the egg will shrivel because water will leave the egg through osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, in this case, from the egg into the saltwater. The higher concentration of solute in the saltwater causes water to move out of the egg, leading to the egg shrinking or shriveling. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the egg will not expand, remain the same, or have an outcome different from shriveling when placed in a beaker of saltwater.

3. What happens to glucose during glycolysis?

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.

4. Which is not part of a nucleic acid?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sulfate is not part of a nucleic acid. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are composed of nucleotide units, which consist of a phosphate group, a sugar molecule (ribose in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base. Carbon and nitrogen are essential elements found in nucleic acids, while sulfate is not a component of nucleic acid structure. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Sulfate.

5. Which organelle is responsible for organizing protein synthesis?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ribosome. Ribosomes are responsible for organizing protein synthesis by assembling amino acids. They are the cellular machinery where proteins are synthesized. The other choices, such as the nucleus, lysosome, and vacuole, do not directly participate in protein synthesis. The nucleus contains DNA and controls cell activities, the lysosome is involved in digestion and waste removal, and the vacuole is responsible for storage and maintaining cell turgor pressure.

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