which organelle is responsible for making proteins

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which organelle is responsible for making proteins?

A. Ribosome
B. Chloroplast
C. Lysosome
D. Mitochondrion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis within the cell. They are the sites where amino acids are linked together to form proteins based on the instructions carried by mRNA (messenger RNA). Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, and they play a crucial role in translating genetic information into proteins. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production through cellular respiration. Therefore, the ribosome is the correct organelle responsible for making proteins.

2. What is the fundamental unit of life?

A. Atom
B. Cell
C. Tissue
D. Organ

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.

3. How many bones are included in the human skeletal system?

A. 412
B. 103
C. Over 300
D. 206

Correct answer: D

Rationale: There are 206 bones in the human skeletal system. This includes bones in the skull, spine, ribs, arms, legs, hands, and feet. The correct answer is 206 because that is the standard number of bones in an adult human body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate count of bones in the human skeletal system.

4. Which animal has an open transport system?

A. Grasshopper
B. Earthworm
C. Dolphin
D. Chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Earthworm. Earthworms have an open circulatory system, meaning their blood and interstitial fluid are not enclosed in blood vessels. Instead, the blood flows freely within the body cavity, allowing for direct exchange of nutrients and waste products with surrounding tissues. This lack of a closed transport system is a characteristic feature of earthworms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because grasshoppers, dolphins, and chickens have closed circulatory systems where the blood is enclosed within blood vessels, unlike earthworms.

5. Which of the following structures is not directly involved in translation?

A. tRNA
B. mRNA
C. ribosome
D. DNA

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: DNA.' DNA is not directly involved in translation, which is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome, mRNA provides the template for protein synthesis, and ribosomes are the cellular machinery where translation occurs. DNA's main role is in transcription, where it serves as the template for mRNA synthesis, not in translation.