Free Biology practice for HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024 (HESI A2). Answer 37 nursing exam-style questions with rationales, exam mode, and progress tracking
Which type of sugar is a disaccharide?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, Sucrose. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose. When glucose and fructose combine, they form sucrose. Choice B, Fructose, is a monosaccharide, not a disaccharide. Choice C, Glucose, is also a monosaccharide, not a disaccharide. Choice D, Galactose, is another monosaccharide and not a disaccharide.
The cell membrane consists of a bilayer of phospholipids with proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins. What does this bilayer create?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'Selectively permeable.' The cell membrane's bilayer structure allows it to be selectively permeable, meaning it can control the passage of substances. This property enables the membrane to regulate the entry and exit of specific molecules, ions, and other substances. Choice A, 'Impermeable,' is incorrect as the cell membrane is not completely impermeable and does allow certain substances to pass through. Choice B, 'Permeable,' is also incorrect as it does not address the selective nature of the membrane. Choice D, 'Selectively impermeable,' is a contradictory term and does not accurately describe the cell membrane's function.
In a phospholipid molecule, the head:
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The head of a phospholipid is hydrophilic (water-loving) and is located on the outer side of the lipid bilayer, interacting with water molecules. This arrangement positions the hydrophobic tails inward, away from water. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the head is hydrophilic, not hydrophobic. Choice B is incorrect as the head is on the outer side, not the inner side of the layer.
What type of transport moves substances across the cell membrane using energy?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
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.
What is the fundamental unit of life?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'B: Cell.' Cells are indeed the fundamental unit of life as they are responsible for all living functions, including growth, reproduction, and maintaining homeostasis. While atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, cells are the smallest structural and functional unit of living organisms. Choices C and D, tissue and organ respectively, are composed of multiple cells working together and are not considered the basic unit of life.
As cattle graze, cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up. This is an example of ___________.
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Commensalism is a relationship between two species in which one benefits without affecting the other species. In this scenario, the cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle while the cattle are not significantly impacted by the presence of the egrets. The egrets obtain food easily, and the cattle are neither harmed nor helped by the egrets' presence, making it an example of commensalism. Mutualism involves both species benefiting, parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of the other, and competition involves both species being negatively affected by their interactions, none of which apply to the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets in this context.
Dogs are part of a larger animal group, the Carnivora. What classification is this?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The classification 'Carnivora' refers to an order in the taxonomic hierarchy. In the Linnaean classification system, the order comes below the class but above the family level. Therefore, Carnivora is a higher classification that includes dog species as well as other carnivorous mammals like cats, bears, and weasels. Option A (Kingdom) is too broad and refers to the highest taxonomic rank. Option B (Class) is a lower taxonomic rank than order. Option D (Genus) is a much more specific rank that comes below the family level in the Linnaean hierarchy.
What is the correct order of the hierarchy of levels in the biological classification of organisms?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct order of the hierarchy of levels in the biological classification of organisms is Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. This order is based on the Linnaean system of classification, with each level representing a progressively more specific grouping of organisms. Choice B is incorrect because it starts with Phylum instead of Kingdom. Choice C is incorrect as it places Order before Phylum. Choice D is incorrect because it does not follow the correct order of the biological classification hierarchy.
How are molecules of water bonded to each other?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Water molecules are bonded to each other by 'hydrogen' bonds. These bonds are not as strong as covalent bonds, which hold the atoms within each water molecule together (Choice B). Ionic bonds (Choice A) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms, which is not the case in water molecules. The term 'molecular' (Choice D) is too general and doesn't specifically describe the type of bond between water molecules.
Why do we perceive chlorophyll as green?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Chlorophyll appears green to us because it primarily absorbs yellow and blue light while reflecting green light. The wavelengths of yellow and blue light are absorbed by chlorophyll for photosynthesis, which results in the green color we perceive. Choice B is incorrect because chlorophyll absorbs yellow and blue light, not green light. Choice C is incorrect because chlorophyll does absorb green light, but it also absorbs other wavelengths, primarily yellow and blue. Choice D is incorrect because chlorophyll primarily absorbs yellow and blue light, not red light.
Which molecule is primarily responsible for storing energy in cells?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
ATP is the correct answer because it is the molecule responsible for storing and providing energy in cells. Glucose is a source of energy but not primarily for storage. Fatty acids are more involved in energy production through oxidation. Starch is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in plants.
Which organism reproduces via spore formation?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, Shelf fungus. Shelf fungus reproduces via spore formation. Spores are tiny, reproductive cells that are released into the environment to be carried by air or water, allowing the fungus to spread and reproduce. The other choices are incorrect because Lemon tree reproduces via seeds, Smallmouth bass reproduce sexually through the fertilization of eggs by sperm, and Staphylococcus bacteria reproduce by binary fission, dividing into two identical daughter cells.
How many phases are there in the process of mitosis?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
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.
What helps the cell maintain its shape and allows it to adapt?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The cytoskeleton is the correct answer. It provides structural support to the cell, helps maintain its shape, and enables it to adapt to different environments. Microfilaments are part of the cytoskeleton, but they alone do not encompass the entire cytoskeleton's functions. Cytoplasm is the fluid inside the cell where organelles are suspended and is not directly responsible for maintaining cell shape. Centrioles are involved in cell division and do not primarily contribute to maintaining the cell's shape and adaptation.
Which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids are considered the most important molecules in biology. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy, lipids for storing energy and forming cell membranes, proteins for various structural and functional roles, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for storing genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are crucial biomolecules, calcium, sulfur, and iron are not considered among the most important molecules in biology.
The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.
Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing ATP in cells?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is 'Mitochondrion.' Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material and controlling cell activities, not for ATP production. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, not ATP production. Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, not ATP production.
Which of the following is a tertiary consumer?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, Owl. Tertiary consumers are organisms that feed on secondary consumers, which, in turn, feed on primary consumers. Owls are considered tertiary consumers because they primarily feed on animals such as rodents, which are secondary consumers. Shrew (choice B) is a secondary consumer, feeding on insects and worms, placing it at a lower trophic level than the owl. Grasshopper (choice C) is a primary consumer, feeding on plants. Wheat (choice D) is not a consumer in the food chain but a plant.
How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
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.
Athletes are often concerned with the question of what they need in their diets to increase muscle mass and strength. What biologic molecule would you recommend that would accomplish this?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Proteins are essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. They contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscles. Athletes looking to increase muscle mass and strength should focus on consuming adequate amounts of high-quality proteins in their diets. Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts, lipids are important for overall health but do not directly contribute to muscle building, and nucleic acids are involved in genetic activities rather than muscle growth.
What organelle pushes water out of the cell?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is B: Vacuoles (contractile). Vacuoles (contractile) are responsible for expelling excess water out of the cell. Lysosomes are involved in the digestion and removal of waste materials, mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell involved in energy production, and the nucleus contains the cell's genetic material but does not play a role in pushing water out of the cell.
Where is the ovary located in a flowering plant?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The ovary is located in the pistil of a flowering plant. The pistil is the female reproductive part of the flower, and it consists of the ovary, style, and stigma. The ovary contains ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization. Choice A, 'Anther,' is incorrect because the anther is the part of the flower's stamen that produces pollen. Choice C, 'Stamen,' is incorrect because the stamen is the male reproductive part of the flower, consisting of the anther and filament. Choice D, 'Calyx,' is incorrect because the calyx is the outermost whorl of a flower, composed of sepals that protect the flower bud.
What are plasma membranes mostly made of?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is C: Lipids. Plasma membranes are primarily composed of lipids, specifically phospholipids, which form a lipid bilayer. While proteins are also an essential component of plasma membranes, they are not the primary constituent. Carbohydrates are present on the outer surface of the membrane but are not the main structural component. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA and are not the main constituents of plasma membranes.
What type of cells are involved in meiosis (sex cells)?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is B, Gametes. Gametes are the specialized sex cells involved in meiosis, such as sperm and eggs. Somatic cells (A) are non-reproductive cells found in the body, not involved in meiosis. Zygote (C) is the result of fertilization, formed when gametes unite. Diploid cells (D) have two sets of chromosomes, but in meiosis, gametes are produced through a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to haploid.
Which system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is D: The endocrine system. The endocrine system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones produced by glands in the endocrine system regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by releasing hormones that help control and coordinate different processes in the body. Choices A, C, and B are incorrect. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste; the digestive system includes the gastrointestinal system and other accessory organs; and choice B is a duplicate of the correct answer.
What is the classification of organisms into different categories based on their physical characteristics and presumed natural relationship?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Taxonomy is the correct answer. Taxonomy is the branch of biology that deals with the classification of organisms into different categories based on their physical characteristics and presumed natural relationship. It involves naming and categorizing organisms into hierarchical groups to show their evolutionary relationships. Choice A, 'Biology,' is incorrect as it is the broader field of science that encompasses the study of living organisms. Choice C, 'Grouping,' is incorrect as it is a general term that does not specifically refer to the systematic classification of organisms. Choice D, 'Nomenclature,' is incorrect as it refers to the system of naming organisms rather than the classification based on physical characteristics and natural relationships.
Which of the following is true of Glycolysis?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration and can occur in both aerobic (presence of oxygen) and anaerobic (absence of oxygen) conditions. In aerobic respiration, glycolysis takes place in the presence of oxygen and continues with the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. So, glycolysis does not require the absence of oxygen but can occur in its presence as part of the overall process of aerobic respiration. Choice A is incorrect because glycolysis can occur in the presence of oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because glycolysis is not the final step of fermentation; it is the initial step. Choice D is incorrect because glycolysis is not the final step of anaerobic respiration; it is the first step, followed by further processes to complete anaerobic respiration.
What molecule is primarily responsible for providing energy to the cell?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Correct! ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the main molecule that stores and provides energy for cellular activities. ATP is known as the energy currency of the cell, where energy released from the breakdown of nutrients is stored in the high-energy phosphate bonds of ATP. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because DNA carries genetic information, ADP is the precursor of ATP, and glycogen is a polysaccharide used for energy storage, not direct energy provision.
A student was asked to count birds in a given location over a 24-hour period. Which count would make their data most valid?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Counting birds at one feeder at consistent time intervals (noon and 6:00 P.M.) over a 24-hour period ensures that the data collected are evenly distributed and provide a more accurate representation of the bird population in that location throughout the day. This method allows for observations during different times of the day, capturing potential variations in bird activity and distribution. Choice A is not as effective as it lacks observations at different times of the day, potentially missing variations in bird behavior. Choice B involves multiple locations and times, which could introduce more variables and make it harder to analyze the data accurately. Choice D, counting birds at three feeders every 6 hours, may provide too frequent data points and not cover all significant time intervals for observing bird activity.
Which of the following is false?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The statement "B. Animal cells use chloroplasts to gain energy" is false. Chloroplasts are only present in plant cells and certain algae, where they are responsible for photosynthesis to generate energy from sunlight. Animal cells rely on other organelles, such as mitochondria, for energy production. Choice A is true because animal cells use lysosomes to break down old cells and cellular waste. Choice C is true as plant cells have a cell wall composed of cellulose that provides structural support and protection.
What propels the cell forward?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
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.
Which of the following is true of homozygous traits?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Homozygous traits have two identical forms of the gene, either both dominant (AA) or both recessive (aa). Therefore, choices B and C are true for homozygous traits. Choice A is incorrect because being haploid refers to having a single set of chromosomes, not necessarily homozygous traits. Choice D is incorrect as homozygous traits have identical alleles, so they are not denoted as Aa.
Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of proteins?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Ribosomes are the organelles involved in the synthesis of proteins. They are the cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins, making them essential for cell function and structure. The other organelles listed, such as the Endoplasmic Reticulum, Lysosomes, and Vacuoles, have different functions unrelated to protein synthesis. The Endoplasmic Reticulum plays a role in protein processing and transport, Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and Vacuoles are responsible for storage and maintaining cell turgor pressure.
What is the first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate through a series of enzymatic reactions. Choice B, the Krebs cycle, occurs after glycolysis in aerobic cellular respiration. Choice C, the Electron transport chain, is the final step in aerobic respiration where the majority of ATP is produced. Choice D, Aerobic respiration, is a broader term that encompasses glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain, but it is not the specific first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate.
How should a researcher test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones is significant enough to raise the temperature of water in a test tube?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
To test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones raises the temperature of water in a test tube, the most appropriate method is to dial a cell phone next to a test tube of water, let it ring for a consistent two-minute interval, and record the temperature before and after. Choice A is correct because it provides a controlled approach to isolate the impact of the phone's radiation on the water temperature. Choices B, C, and D introduce additional variables that could confound the results. Choice B varies the duration of exposure, making it difficult to attribute temperature changes specifically to the radiation. Choice C introduces the factor of different cell phone brands, which could introduce variability not related to radiation. Choice D also varies exposure times and introduces the factor of multiple phone brands, making it harder to determine the direct impact of cell phone radiation on water temperature. Therefore, choice A is the most suitable option for this experiment.
Which of the following are found both in open and closed circulatory systems?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is C, Capillaries. Capillaries are found in both open and closed circulatory systems. Capillaries are small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the blood and tissues. They are essential components of circulatory systems regardless of whether they are open or closed. Arteries (Choice A) are not found in open circulatory systems, as these systems lack distinct arteries and veins. Red blood cells (Choice B) are present in the blood but are not exclusive to either open or closed circulatory systems. Immune cells (Choice D) are not specific components of circulatory systems, as they are part of the immune system.
If both parents have polydactylism, what percentage of their offspring is predicted to manifest the anomaly?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
When both parents have polydactylism, they each possess at least one dominant allele for polydactylism. Through a Punnett square analysis, it can be determined that 50% of their offspring will inherit the dominant allele from both parents. This results in a 100% chance of manifesting the anomaly (2 out of 4 possibilities). Therefore, 50% of the offspring are predicted to manifest the anomaly. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the principles of Mendelian genetics and Punnett square analysis.
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