HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 2024
1. The scientific name for a house cat is Felis catus. This indicates the house cat’s ___________ and ___________.
- A. kingdom; family
- B. order; subspecies
- C. phylum; class
- D. genus; species
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The scientific name for an organism consists of its genus and species. In this case, 'Felis' refers to the genus, while 'catus' refers to the species, thus indicating the house cat's genus and species as Felis catus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a scientific name does not include information about the kingdom, family, order, subspecies, phylum, or class of an organism.
2. What takes place in a lysosome?
- A. Ribosomes are made.
- B. Food is produced.
- C. Water is stored.
- D. Food is digested.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a lysosome, food particles are digested through the action of enzymes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down large molecules into smaller ones, allowing the cell to utilize the nutrients for energy and other processes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ribosomes are not made in lysosomes, food is not produced in lysosomes, and lysosomes do not store water.
3. Which statement regarding energy content is true?
- A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
- B. Primary consumers < producers
- C. Producers > secondary consumers
- D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.
4. A cell is in a solution in which the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside the cell. What would you expect to happen to the cell?
- A. It will swell and possibly burst.
- B. It will shrivel and shrink.
- C. It will maintain its current size.
- D. It will grow a supportive cell wall.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a cell is in a solution where the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside, it is in a hypertonic environment. In this situation, water will move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane through the process of osmosis. As a result, the cell will swell as it takes in more water, potentially leading to bursting or cell lysis. Choice B is incorrect because a cell in a hypertonic solution will not shrivel and shrink due to water moving into the cell. Choice C is incorrect because the cell will not maintain its current size; it will swell. Choice D is incorrect because growing a supportive cell wall is not the immediate response to being in a hypertonic environment.
5. Which part of a plant’s reproductive system is of a different “gender” than the others?
- A. Stamen
- B. Pistil
- C. Stigma
- D. Style
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The stamen is the male reproductive organ of a plant, producing pollen grains. The pistil, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary, is the female reproductive organ. Therefore, the stamen is of a different 'gender' than the other parts of the plant's reproductive system. The pistil, stigma, and style are all part of the female reproductive system, involved in receiving pollen and supporting fertilization. Stamen is the correct answer as it is the male part of a plant's reproductive system, making it different 'gender-wise' from the female parts.
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