Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam

1. Which cellular structure is largely protective in function?

• A. Mitochondrion
• B. Vacuole
• C. Cell membrane
• D. Ribosome

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell membrane. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is largely protective in function as it serves as a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, providing structural support and helping to maintain cell integrity. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thus protecting the cell from harmful external factors while allowing essential nutrients to enter. Mitochondrion (choice A) is responsible for energy production, not primarily protective. Vacuole (choice B) is mainly involved in storage and transport. Ribosome (choice D) is involved in protein synthesis, not protective functions.

2. Which form of fermentation is used to produce beer?

• A. Lactic acid fermentation
• B. Acetic acid fermentation
• C. Propionic acid fermentation
• D. Ethyl alcohol fermentation

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Ethyl alcohol fermentation. During beer production, yeast metabolizes sugars in the wort to produce ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and carbon dioxide, which are responsible for the alcohol content and carbonation in beer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lactic acid fermentation produces lactic acid, acetic acid fermentation produces acetic acid, and propionic acid fermentation produces propionic acid, none of which are used in the production of beer.

3. What event occurs during telophase?

• A. The nuclear envelope disappears.
• B. Organelles double in number.
• C. Chromosomes separate.
• D. Two nuclei are formed.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: During telophase, the final stage of mitosis, the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles of the cell. At this stage, a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes, creating two distinct nuclei. This marks the completion of cell division. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the disappearance of the nuclear envelope typically occurs during prophase, organelles do not double in number during telophase, and chromosomes separate during anaphase, not telophase.

4. Which is not part of a nucleic acid?

• A. Sulfate
• B. Phosphate
• C. Carbon
• D. Nitrogen

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sulfate is not part of a nucleic acid. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are composed of nucleotide units, which consist of a phosphate group, a sugar molecule (ribose in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base. Carbon and nitrogen are essential elements found in nucleic acids, while sulfate is not a component of nucleic acid structure. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Sulfate.

5. Why do gardeners sometimes use salt to get rid of slugs?

• A. The salt moves from the exterior into the slug’s body.
• B. The salt causes water in the slug to move outward.
• C. The salt and slug slime merge to form a new compound.
• D. The salt’s corrosiveness breaks down the slug’s cell walls.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Gardeners use salt to get rid of slugs because salt is corrosive and breaks down the slug's cell walls. When the slug comes into contact with salt, the salt draws moisture out of the slug's body, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to the slug's death. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary mechanism of salt in eliminating slugs is its corrosive action on the slug's body, not the movement of salt into the slug's body, outward movement of water in the slug, or merging with slug slime to form a new compound.