why is dna important for metabolic activities of the cell

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. 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.

2. DNA bases include all but which of the following?

A. Adenine
B. Thymine
C. Uracil
D. Cytosine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Uracil. Uracil is not a DNA base; it is a base found only in RNA. The four bases in DNA are Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine. Choice A, Adenine, is a correct DNA base. Choice B, Thymine, is a correct DNA base. Choice D, Cytosine, is a correct DNA base. Therefore, Uracil is the only incorrect choice among the options provided.

3. What propels the cell forward?

A. Microfilaments
B. Propulsion
C. Cilia
D. Flagella

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Propulsion, not microfilaments, cilia, or flagella, is what drives the cell forward. Propulsion is the force or process that propels the cell forward and allows it to move within its environment. Microfilaments are involved in cell structure, cilia are small hair-like structures for movement, and flagella are tail-like structures used for cell propulsion in some organisms.

4. 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.

5. During which phase of mitosis does the nuclear envelope disintegrate?

A. Prophase
B. Prophase
C. Prometaphase
D. Metaphase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the prometaphase stage of mitosis, the nuclear envelope disintegrates. This allows the condensed chromosomes to move towards the center of the cell, preparing for their alignment along the metaphase plate. The breakdown of the nuclear envelope is a crucial step in mitosis to ensure the proper segregation of genetic material into daughter cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as the nuclear envelope disintegration specifically occurs during the prometaphase stage, not in prophase or metaphase.