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. How many phases are there in the process of mitosis?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: '4'. Mitosis consists of four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. These phases are crucial in the orderly division of the cell's genetic material. Choice A is incorrect because mitosis is a more complex process involving multiple phases. Choice B is incorrect as it is one phase short of the total phases in mitosis. Choice D is incorrect as mitosis does not consist of five phases.

3. Three students measured the mass of a product of combustion. They recorded measurements of 14 g, 16 g, and 17 g. If the known mass of the product is 30 g, how would you describe the students’ measurements?

A. Accurate
B. Precise
C. Both accurate and precise
D. Neither accurate nor precise

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The students' measurements are precise because they are consistently close to each other. However, they are not accurate because all the measurements deviate from the known mass of the product (30 g). Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value, while precision refers to the level of agreement among repeated measurements. Since the students' measurements are consistent but do not align with the true value, they can be considered precise but not accurate. Choice A is incorrect because accuracy relates to the proximity of the measurements to the true value, which is not the case here. Choice C is incorrect because although the measurements are precise, they are not accurate. Choice D is incorrect because the measurements are precise as they show good agreement with each other, even though they are not accurate.

4. Beeswax is an example of what kind of molecule?

A. Lipid
B. Carbohydrate
C. Protein
D. Nucleic acid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beeswax is primarily composed of esters of long-chain aliphatic alcohols and fatty acids, making it a type of lipid. Lipids are a diverse group of molecules that are hydrophobic in nature and have important functions in energy storage, signaling, and forming cellular membranes. Beeswax's chemical composition and properties categorize it as a lipid rather than a carbohydrate, protein, or nucleic acid. Carbohydrates are composed of sugars, proteins are made up of amino acids, and nucleic acids consist of nucleotides; none of which match the chemical composition of beeswax.

5. How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?

A. 46
B. 23
C. 45
D. 24

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sperm and egg cells undergo meiosis to form gametes with half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Each sperm and egg cell produces 23 chromosomes through meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because 46 chromosomes represent the diploid number found in somatic cells. Choice C is incorrect as it is an uncommon number for chromosome production in human gametes. Choice D is incorrect as the total number of chromosomes in sperm or egg cells is 23, not 24.