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. Where is the site of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?

A. Nucleus
B. Chloroplasts
C. Mitochondria
D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mitochondria. Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they are responsible for cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells. During cellular respiration, mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The nucleus is the organelle that houses the cell's genetic material, chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, not cellular respiration.

3. Which system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream?

A. The gastrointestinal system
B. The endocrine system
C. The digestive system
D. The endocrine system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The endocrine system. The endocrine system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones produced by glands in the endocrine system regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by releasing hormones that help control and coordinate different processes in the body. Choices A, C, and B are incorrect. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste; the digestive system includes the gastrointestinal system and other accessory organs; and choice B is a duplicate of the correct answer.

4. What happens during anaphase?

A. Chromosomes move to opposite ends of the spindle.
B. Nuclear membrane and nucleoli disintegrate.
C. Chromatids line up at the center of the spindle.
D. Nuclear membrane and nucleoli form.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During anaphase, the sister chromatids, joined at the centromere, separate and move towards opposite ends of the spindle apparatus. This movement ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Choice B is incorrect as the disintegration of the nuclear membrane and nucleoli occurs during prophase. Choice C is incorrect as chromatids align at the center of the spindle during metaphase, not anaphase. Choice D is incorrect as the formation of the nuclear membrane and nucleoli occurs during telophase, not anaphase.

5. Where is DNA stored?

A. The nucleus
B. Ribosomes
C. Endoplasmic reticulum
D. Mitochondria

Correct answer: A

Rationale: DNA is stored in the nucleus of a cell. The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material, including the DNA, which contains the instructions for building and operating the cell. The nucleus controls the activities of the cell and is essential for proper cell function and reproduction. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not DNA storage. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, storage, and transport but does not store DNA. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP, but they do not store DNA.