what is the first step in metabolism of food to cellular energy
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024

1. What is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Citric Acid Cycle and Electron Transport Chain occur later in cellular respiration, while Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

2. How do green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle to synthesize proteins. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants take up nitrates from the soil through their roots and incorporate nitrogen into their proteins through the process of protein biosynthesis. This helps in their growth, development, and overall health. Choice B, 'To store food,' is incorrect because nitrates are primarily used for protein synthesis, not food storage. Choice C, 'To decompose ammonia,' is incorrect as plants do not decompose ammonia but rather utilize it through nitrification. Choice D, 'To break down nitrites,' is incorrect as plants typically convert nitrites into nitrates through a process called nitrate assimilation for protein synthesis.

3. What provides the cell with the ability to move and propel?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Microtubules are the cellular structures responsible for cell movement and propulsion. Microtubules are part of the cytoskeleton and play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell motility and intracellular transport. While microfilaments also contribute to cell movement by enabling muscle contraction and cell shape changes, they are not primarily responsible for propelling the cell. Flagella and cilia are cellular appendages involved in cell movement, but they are composed of microtubules, making them the structures that move due to the actions of microtubules.

4. Why is yeast used to make bread rise?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Yeast is used to make bread rise because it carries out fermentation, producing carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise and create a fluffy texture in the bread. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because yeast does not engage in photosynthesis, so it does not produce oxygen gas, does not carry out photosynthesis to form carbon dioxide, and does not produce carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration. Yeast's fermentation process is essential for bread rising.

5. Which cells in the human body lack nuclei?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, lack nuclei in humans. This absence of a nucleus allows more space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, making red blood cells efficient at their function of oxygen transport in the body. Nerve cells (Choice A), liver cells (Choice C), and connective tissue cells (Choice D) all possess nuclei as they require genetic material for their functions, such as cell signaling, protein synthesis, and structural support.

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