why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

1. Why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot?

A. Plant cells can use both methods to divide
B. Animal cells divide faster, requiring them to pinch apart
C. Plant cells are too rigid to use a contractile ring
D. N/A

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall surrounding them, which prevents them from using a contractile ring for cell division. The rigid cell wall requires plant cells to form a cell plate during cell division instead of pinching apart like animal cells with a contractile ring. Choice A is incorrect because plant cells cannot use a contractile ring due to their rigid cell wall. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of cell division is not the primary reason for the difference in cell division mechanisms between plant and animal cells. Choice D is not applicable as plant cells indeed have a specific limitation in using a contractile ring for cell division.

2. The scientific name for a house cat is Felis catus. This indicates the house cat’s _ and _.

A. kingdom; family
B. order; subspecies
C. phylum; class
D. genus; species

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The scientific name for an organism consists of its genus and species. In this case, 'Felis' refers to the genus, while 'catus' refers to the species, thus indicating the house cat's genus and species as Felis catus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a scientific name does not include information about the kingdom, family, order, subspecies, phylum, or class of an organism.

3. The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:

A. product
B. respiration
C. metabolism
D. synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.

4. Which of the following are components of the endocrine system?

A. The pituitary gland
B. The thyroid gland
C. The adrenal glands
D. All of the Above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endocrine system comprises a network of glands that produce and release hormones to regulate bodily functions. The pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands are essential components of this system. The pituitary gland secretes various hormones that control other glands and some body functions. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, growth, and energy levels by producing thyroid hormones. The adrenal glands produce hormones involved in stress response, metabolism, and immune function. Therefore, all of the above glands are integral parts of the endocrine system, making choice D the correct answer.

5. Which is not part of a nucleic acid?

A. Sulfate
B. Phosphate
C. Carbon
D. Nitrogen

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.