why is it important for cells to undergo mitosis

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

1. Why is it important for cells to undergo mitosis?

A. mitosis allows for reproduction with male and female gametes
B. mitosis increases variation within the species
C. mitosis produces cells that are different from the parent cell
D. mitosis produces cells for growth and repair of body tissue

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is important for cells to undergo mitosis because it produces cells for the growth and repair of body tissues. Mitosis allows for the formation of genetically identical daughter cells, ensuring proper function and maintenance of the organism's body. By producing new cells, mitosis helps in the replenishment of damaged or worn-out tissue and supports overall growth and development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because mitosis is not directly related to reproduction with male and female gametes, increasing variation within the species, or producing cells different from the parent cell. These functions are more associated with meiosis, which is specifically for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

2. A cell is in a solution in which the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside the cell. What would you expect to happen to the cell?

A. It will swell and possibly burst.
B. It will shrivel and shrink.
C. It will maintain its current size.
D. It will grow a supportive cell wall.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a cell is in a solution where the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside, it is in a hypertonic environment. In this situation, water will move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane through the process of osmosis. As a result, the cell will swell as it takes in more water, potentially leading to bursting or cell lysis. Choice B is incorrect because a cell in a hypertonic solution will not shrivel and shrink due to water moving into the cell. Choice C is incorrect because the cell will not maintain its current size; it will swell. Choice D is incorrect because growing a supportive cell wall is not the immediate response to being in a hypertonic environment.

3. What is the role of ribosomes in the cell?

A. Break down cellular waste
B. Organize cellular division
C. Synthesize proteins
D. Provide cellular structure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Synthesize proteins. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis by linking amino acids together. Choice A is incorrect because ribosomes do not break down cellular waste. Choice B is incorrect as ribosomes do not organize cellular division. Choice D is incorrect because ribosomes do not provide cellular structure.

4. Which one is not a reactant in photosynthesis?

A. Water
B. Light energy
C. Glucose
D. Carbon dioxide

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Glucose. Glucose is not a reactant in photosynthesis but a product. During photosynthesis, plants use water, carbon dioxide, and light energy as reactants to produce glucose and oxygen. Water is essential for the process of photosynthesis, along with carbon dioxide and light energy. Light energy is necessary for the light-dependent reactions to occur, which eventually leads to the production of glucose. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants through tiny pores called stomata and is used in the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose. Therefore, glucose is the product of photosynthesis, not a reactant.

5. How many pairs of chromosomes do all humans have?

A. 24 pairs
B. 23 pairs
C. 22 pairs
D. 20 pairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: All humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes. Choice A is incorrect because humans do not have 24 pairs. Choice C is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs, not 22 pairs. Choice D is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, not 20 pairs.