HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What is the magnification of an ocular lens on a microscope?
- A. 4x
- B. 10x
- C. 40x
- D. 100x
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The magnification of an ocular lens on a microscope is typically 10x, which is considered standard for most microscopes. Ocular lenses are designed to magnify the image produced by the objective lens further. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the standard magnification of an ocular lens. A magnification of 4x, 40x, or 100x would not be typical for an ocular lens in a microscope.
2. What is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy?
- A. Citric Acid Cycle
- B. Glycolysis
- C. Electron Transport Chain
- D. Photosynthesis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Citric Acid Cycle and Electron Transport Chain occur later in cellular respiration, while Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
3. What organelle pushes water out of the cell?
- A. Lysosomes
- B. Vacuoles (contractile)
- C. Mitochondria
- D. Nucleus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: 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.
4. Which structure controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell?
- A. Vacuole
- B. Cell Membrane
- C. Nuclear Membrane
- D. Cytoplasm
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the Cell Membrane. The cell membrane acts as a barrier that controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable, allowing only certain molecules to pass through. Vacuole (Choice A), Nuclear Membrane (Choice C), and Cytoplasm (Choice D) do not primarily regulate the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Vacuoles are responsible for storage, the nuclear membrane surrounds the nucleus providing protection, and the cytoplasm is the fluid where organelles are suspended.
5. Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells?
- A. Mitochondria
- B. Chloroplasts
- C. Ribosomes
- D. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are responsible for conducting photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. Mitochondria (choice A) are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are involved in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Ribosomes (choice C) are responsible for protein synthesis. The endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport within the cell, not photosynthesis.
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