HESI A2 Biology Practice Test Related

Review HESI A2 Biology Practice Test related questions and content

The two catabolic pathways that lead to cellular energy production are:

  • A. fermentation and protein synthesis
  • B. cellular respiration and glycolysis
  • C. fermentation and glycolysis
  • D. cellular respiration and fermentation
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: cellular respiration and fermentation. Cellular respiration involves the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, which is the primary source of energy for cells. Fermentation, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces ATP through glycolysis followed by specific fermentation pathways. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Protein synthesis is a biosynthetic process, not a catabolic pathway for energy production. Glycolysis is a common step in both cellular respiration and fermentation, so it is not a pair of distinct catabolic pathways. Therefore, the most accurate pairing of catabolic pathways for cellular energy production is cellular respiration and fermentation.