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. Which cellular structure is largely protective in function?

A. Mitochondrion
B. Vacuole
C. Cell membrane
D. Ribosome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell membrane. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is largely protective in function as it serves as a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, providing structural support and helping to maintain cell integrity. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thus protecting the cell from harmful external factors while allowing essential nutrients to enter. Mitochondrion (choice A) is responsible for energy production, not primarily protective. Vacuole (choice B) is mainly involved in storage and transport. Ribosome (choice D) is involved in protein synthesis, not protective functions.

3. What is the main component of blood plasma?

A. Proteins
B. Water
C. Red Blood Cells
D. Platelets

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Water. Blood plasma is composed mostly of water, which acts as a solvent for various nutrients and substances. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Proteins are indeed present in blood plasma but are not the main component. Red blood cells and platelets are cellular components of blood, not the main component of blood plasma.

4. During protein synthesis, what process creates a complementary strand of RNA from a DNA template?

A. Transcription
B. Translation
C. Transformation
D. Replication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During protein synthesis, transcription is the process that creates a complementary RNA strand from a DNA template. This process involves the synthesis of mRNA using DNA as a template. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it is the process where the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific polypeptide chain. Choice C, 'Transformation,' is not related to the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. Choice D, 'Replication,' is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical DNA molecule, not RNA.

5. What is the main function of the cell membrane?

A. Energy production
B. Communication
C. Protein synthesis
D. Waste removal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the cell membrane is communication. It acts as a barrier that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining cellular homeostasis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because energy production occurs in the mitochondria, protein synthesis takes place in the ribosomes, and waste removal is primarily handled by the lysosomes and other organelles within the cell.