HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Biology
1. Which of the following describes how a bacterium reproduces?
- A. Mitosis
- B. Meiosis
- C. Binary fission
- D. Cytokinesis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bacteria reproduce through a process called 'binary fission.' During binary fission, a bacterium duplicates its DNA and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This method is the primary way bacteria replicate. Choice A, 'Mitosis,' is incorrect because mitosis is a process specific to eukaryotic cells, where the nucleus divides to produce two identical nuclei. Choice B, 'Meiosis,' is incorrect as meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. Choice D, 'Cytokinesis,' is not the correct answer as cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which occurs after the genetic material has been divided in mitosis or meiosis.
2. Which of the following structures is not directly involved in translation?
- A. tRNA
- B. mRNA
- C. ribosome
- D. DNA
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: DNA.' DNA is not directly involved in translation, which is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome, mRNA provides the template for protein synthesis, and ribosomes are the cellular machinery where translation occurs. DNA's main role is in transcription, where it serves as the template for mRNA synthesis, not in translation.
3. What is the typical result of mitosis in humans?
- A. two diploid cells
- B. two haploid cells
- C. four diploid cells
- D. four haploid cells
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: two diploid cells. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells, each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. In humans, the typical result of mitosis is the formation of two diploid cells, not haploid or four cells. Choice B, two haploid cells, is incorrect because mitosis produces genetically identical diploid cells. Choices C and D, four diploid cells and four haploid cells, respectively, are incorrect as mitosis results in two daughter cells, not four.
4. Which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology?
- A. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids
- B. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and calcium
- C. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and sulfur
- D. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and iron
Correct answer: A
Rationale: 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.
5. What kind of bond connects sugar and phosphate in DNA?
- A. hydrogen
- B. ionic
- C. covalent
- D. overt
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sugar and phosphate are indeed connected by covalent bonds in DNA. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, which is essential for forming the backbone of the DNA molecule. Hydrogen bonds (Choice A) are important in holding the nitrogenous bases together in the DNA double helix but do not connect sugar and phosphate. Ionic bonds (Choice B) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms and are not the primary bond connecting sugar and phosphate in DNA. 'Overt' (Choice D) is not a type of chemical bond and is an incorrect distractor.
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