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AC-HPAT (Algonquin College Health Program
Admission Test) Questions With Verified
Solutions And Rationales
1. Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration?
A. Nucleus
B. Ribosome
C. Mitochondrion
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The mitochondrion is the "powerhouse of the cell" where cellular
respiration (Krebs cycle and electron transport chain) occurs, producing ATP .
2. Which structure regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell?
A. Cell wall
B. Plasma (cell) membrane
C. Nuclear envelope
D. Cytoplasm
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The plasma membrane is selectively permeable, controlling what
enters and exits through passive transport, active transport, and facilitated
diffusion .
3. What is the primary function of ribosomes?
A. Lipid synthesis
B. DNA replication
C. Protein synthesis
D. Energy production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis (translation of mRNA into
polypeptide chains). They can be free in the cytoplasm or bound to rough ER .
4. Which of the following is found in plant cells but NOT in animal cells?
A. Mitochondria
B. Nucleus
C. Chloroplast
D. Ribosomes
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Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis in
plant cells. Mitochondria, nuclei, and ribosomes are found in both plant and
animal cells .
5. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is called "rough" because it has:
A. Ribosomes attached to its surface
B. An irregular, folded shape
C. A textured appearance under magnification
D. Vesicles constantly budding off
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its cytoplasmic surface, giving it a
"rough" appearance. These ribosomes synthesize proteins that enter the ER
lumen for folding and modification .
6. Which process involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable
membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute
concentration?
A. Diffusion
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B. Facilitated diffusion
C. Osmosis
D. Active transport
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a
selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to
higher solute concentration .
7. Which organelle digests worn-out organelles, food particles, and engulfed
viruses and bacteria?
A. Ribosomes
B. Lysosomes
C. Mitochondria
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive
enzymes that break down worn-out organelles, food particles, and engulfed
viruses and bacteria .
AC-HPAT (Algonquin College Health Program
Admission Test) Questions With Verified
Solutions And Rationales
1. Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration?
A. Nucleus
B. Ribosome
C. Mitochondrion
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The mitochondrion is the "powerhouse of the cell" where cellular
respiration (Krebs cycle and electron transport chain) occurs, producing ATP .
2. Which structure regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell?
A. Cell wall
B. Plasma (cell) membrane
C. Nuclear envelope
D. Cytoplasm
,2|Page
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The plasma membrane is selectively permeable, controlling what
enters and exits through passive transport, active transport, and facilitated
diffusion .
3. What is the primary function of ribosomes?
A. Lipid synthesis
B. DNA replication
C. Protein synthesis
D. Energy production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis (translation of mRNA into
polypeptide chains). They can be free in the cytoplasm or bound to rough ER .
4. Which of the following is found in plant cells but NOT in animal cells?
A. Mitochondria
B. Nucleus
C. Chloroplast
D. Ribosomes
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Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis in
plant cells. Mitochondria, nuclei, and ribosomes are found in both plant and
animal cells .
5. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is called "rough" because it has:
A. Ribosomes attached to its surface
B. An irregular, folded shape
C. A textured appearance under magnification
D. Vesicles constantly budding off
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its cytoplasmic surface, giving it a
"rough" appearance. These ribosomes synthesize proteins that enter the ER
lumen for folding and modification .
6. Which process involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable
membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute
concentration?
A. Diffusion
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B. Facilitated diffusion
C. Osmosis
D. Active transport
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a
selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to
higher solute concentration .
7. Which organelle digests worn-out organelles, food particles, and engulfed
viruses and bacteria?
A. Ribosomes
B. Lysosomes
C. Mitochondria
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive
enzymes that break down worn-out organelles, food particles, and engulfed
viruses and bacteria .
