why is dna important for the metabolic activities of the cell

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. Why is DNA important for the metabolic activities of the cell?

A. It initiates cellular mitosis.
B. It provides cell wall stability.
C. It increases glucose absorption.
D. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: DNA is important for the metabolic activities of the cell because it controls the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are essential for catalyzing metabolic reactions in the cell. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because DNA is not directly involved in cellular mitosis, cell wall stability, or glucose absorption.

2. What is the purpose of the mitochondria?

A. Control the cell
B. Create energy
C. Create proteins
D. Package waste for removal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Create energy. The primary purpose of the mitochondria is to generate energy for the cell. Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell because they produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency used by cells to carry out various functions and processes. Choice A is incorrect as the mitochondria do not control the cell but rather produce energy. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes. Choice D is incorrect as packaging waste for removal is a function associated with lysosomes, not mitochondria.

3. Select the cell parts that are present in plant cells but not animal cells (there may be more than one answer):

A. Cell membrane
B. Cell wall
C. Ribosome
D. Chloroplast

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Plant cells have a cell wall (B) which provides structural support and protection for the cell, a feature that is not present in animal cells. The cell membrane (A) is found in both plant and animal cells. Ribosomes (C) are present in both types of cells and are responsible for protein synthesis. Chloroplasts (D) are unique to plant cells and are responsible for carrying out photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct answers are B and D because the cell wall and chloroplast are specific to plant cells, while the cell membrane and ribosomes are found in both plant and animal cells.

4. What event occurs during telophase?

A. The nuclear envelope disappears.
B. Organelles double in number.
C. Chromosomes separate.
D. Two nuclei are formed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During telophase, the final stage of mitosis, the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles of the cell. At this stage, a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes, creating two distinct nuclei. This marks the completion of cell division. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the disappearance of the nuclear envelope typically occurs during prophase, organelles do not double in number during telophase, and chromosomes separate during anaphase, not telophase.

5. The renal system consists of all the organs involved in the formation and release of urine and includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

A. The digestive system
B. The reproductive system
C. The renal system
D. The kidney system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct term for the system involving the organs responsible for the formation and release of urine is the renal system, not the digestive or reproductive system. The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are specifically part of the renal system, which is responsible for filtering the blood to remove waste and excess fluids, producing urine, and eliminating it from the body. The other choices, the digestive system and the reproductive system, are not responsible for the formation and release of urine, making them incorrect answers.