which of the following serves as the information processing and administrative center of the cell

HESI RN

Biology Practice Test

1. Which of the following serves as the information processing and administrative center of the cell?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus
D. Lysosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the nucleus. The nucleus is indeed the information processing and administrative center of the cell as it contains the genetic material (DNA) and is responsible for controlling cellular activities. The Golgi apparatus (Choice A) is involved in processing and packaging proteins, the cytoplasm (Choice B) is the fluid that fills the cell and provides a medium for organelles to be suspended, and lysosomes (Choice D) are responsible for digesting waste materials and foreign invaders. Therefore, the nucleus is the most appropriate choice for the given function.

2. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?

A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
C. Proteins that act as transport highways
D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.

3. During cellular respiration, glycolysis takes place in the cytosol and produces how many molecules of ATP, pyruvate, and NADH?

A. two, two, two
B. two, four, two
C. two, four, four
D. four, four, four

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Glycolysis, the first step of cellular respiration, takes place in the cytosol and produces two molecules each of ATP, pyruvate, and NADH. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B is incorrect as glycolysis produces two ATP molecules, not four. Choice C is incorrect as it incorrectly states that glycolysis produces four molecules of pyruvate and NADH. Choice D is incorrect because glycolysis produces two molecules of ATP, not four.

4. Why does ice have the capability of floating on water?

A. It has a higher viscosity
B. It has a different chemical composition
C. It has a high specific heat
D. It forms a lattice when freezing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Ice forms a lattice structure when it freezes, which makes it less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float. Choice A is incorrect because viscosity refers to a fluid's resistance to flow and is not related to ice floating. Choice B is incorrect as ice and liquid water have the same chemical composition (H2O). Choice C is incorrect because the high specific heat of water is not the reason why ice floats.

5. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. Where does this process occur?

A. In the cytoplasm
B. In the nuclear envelope
C. In the ribosome unit
D. In the nucleus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: In the nucleus. Transcription, the initial step of protein synthesis, takes place in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where translation occurs on the ribosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transcription specifically occurs in the nucleus, not in the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, or ribosome unit.