which if any of the following statements about the biosphere are correct

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which, if any, of the following statements about the biosphere is correct?

A. The biosphere is the part of the Earth that supports life.
B. The biosphere encompasses the entire surface of the Earth.
C. A and B are correct.
D. None of these statements is correct.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statement A is correct. The biosphere refers to the part of the Earth where life exists, including the land, water bodies, and atmosphere. It is the zone where living organisms and ecosystems exist. Statement B is incorrect because the biosphere covers various ecosystems on Earth but does not encompass the entire surface of the planet. The biosphere includes regions such as the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water bodies), and atmosphere, but not every part of the Earth's surface. Therefore, option C, stating both A and B are correct, is inaccurate. The correct answer is option A, as it accurately defines the biosphere.

2. Where is the genetic information of a eukaryotic cell stored?

A. Mitochondria
B. Nucleus
C. Golgi Apparatus
D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nucleus. In eukaryotic cells, genetic information (DNA) is stored in the nucleus. This organelle acts as the control center of the cell, housing the DNA and regulating gene expression. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the genetic information is not stored in the mitochondria, Golgi Apparatus, or cytoplasm. The mitochondria are responsible for energy production, the Golgi Apparatus is involved in protein processing and packaging, and the cytoplasm is where various cellular activities take place, but none of these organelles store the genetic information.

3. Which of the following organisms would not have eukaryotic cells?

A. Bacteria
B. Dog
C. Human
D. Onion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Bacteria. Bacteria do not have eukaryotic cells. They are single-celled organisms with prokaryotic cells. Dogs, humans, and onions are all multicellular organisms that possess eukaryotic cells. Therefore, choices B, C, and D have eukaryotic cells and are not the correct answer.

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

A. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.
B. It stabilizes the cell wall.
C. It initiates cell division.
D. It prevents diffusion of nutrients.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. DNA plays a crucial role in metabolic activities by controlling the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are the biological catalysts that regulate and facilitate metabolic reactions within the cell. Choice B is incorrect because DNA is not involved in stabilizing the cell wall; that role is usually associated with other components like the cell membrane. Choice C is incorrect as cell division is primarily regulated by different processes and molecules, not directly by DNA. Choice D is incorrect because DNA is not related to preventing the diffusion of nutrients; instead, it is involved in coding for proteins that aid in various cellular functions.

5. Whose energy efficiency is greater?

A. Herbivore
B. Carnivore
C. Omnivore
D. Decomposer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decomposers have the greatest efficiency of energy among the given options. Decomposers break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition. This breakdown process results in the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem, making energy more readily available for other organisms to use. In contrast, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores all derive their energy from the consumption of other living organisms, making their energy efficiency lower than that of decomposers. Herbivores consume plants for energy, which involves energy loss due to inefficiencies in converting plant matter into usable energy. Carnivores consume herbivores or other carnivores, leading to further energy loss through each trophic level. Omnivores consume both plant and animal matter, but their energy efficiency is still lower than decomposers because of the energy loss associated with consuming living organisms. Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and energy in ecosystems, making them highly efficient in the utilization of energy.