What is the main function of the cell membrane?

Questions 40

HESI A2

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HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024 Questions

Question 1 of 9

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the cell membrane is communication. It acts as a barrier that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining cellular homeostasis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because energy production occurs in the mitochondria, protein synthesis takes place in the ribosomes, and waste removal is primarily handled by the lysosomes and other organelles within the cell.

Question 2 of 9

What propels the cell forward?

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.

Question 3 of 9

What type of transport moves substances across the cell membrane using energy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Active Transport. Active transport moves substances across the cell membrane by utilizing energy from the cell, typically in the form of ATP. This process allows the cell to move molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy expenditure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because passive transport does not require energy input, facilitated diffusion involves the assistance of proteins but does not directly use energy, and osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules specifically, not substances, across a selectively permeable membrane.

Question 4 of 9

What organelle is responsible for packaging, processing, and shipping?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Golgi Apparatus is the correct answer. It is responsible for packaging, processing, and shipping proteins and lipids within the cell. The nucleus houses genetic material, the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are not the correct answers for the functions of packaging, processing, and shipping.

Question 5 of 9

What is the process of cell division that results in two daughter cells with identical genetic material?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Mitosis. Mitosis is the process of cell division in which a cell divides and produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Choice B, Meiosis, is a type of cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes. Choice C, Binary Fission, is a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms. Choice D, Budding, is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops from an outgrowth or bud on the parent.

Question 6 of 9

How many phases are there in the process of mitosis?

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.

Question 7 of 9

Where is the slide typically placed on a microscope?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The slide is typically placed on the stage of a microscope. The stage is the platform where the slide containing the specimen is positioned for viewing. The eyepiece is where you look through to view the specimen, the focus knob is used to sharpen the image, and the objective lens is responsible for magnification. Therefore, the correct answer is the stage.

Question 8 of 9

What is the composition of the plasma membrane?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The plasma membrane is composed of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. While proteins are an essential component of the plasma membrane, it is not the only constituent. Carbohydrates and lipids also play crucial roles in the structure and function of the plasma membrane. Nucleotides are not part of the primary structural components of the plasma membrane, making this choice incorrect.

Question 9 of 9

How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During meiosis, sperm and egg cells produce half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Each contributes 23 chromosomes, which combine to form a zygote with a total of 46 chromosomes. Choice B (46) is incorrect because this is the number of chromosomes produced in mitosis, not meiosis. Choices C (25) and D (50) are also incorrect as they do not align with the chromosome count in sex cells during meiosis.

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