a cell from heart muscle would more than likely contain an unusually high proportion of

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. A cell from heart muscle would more than likely contain an unusually high proportion of which of the following?

A. lysosomes
B. mitochondria
C. mRNA
D. ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A cell from heart muscle would more than likely contain an unusually high proportion of mitochondria because the heart muscle requires a significant amount of energy to function properly. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. Therefore, to meet the high energy demands of the heart muscle, it would need a higher concentration of mitochondria compared to other cell types. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while lysosomes, mRNA, and ribosomes are essential components of a cell, they do not play as direct a role in meeting the high energy demands of heart muscle as mitochondria do.

2. Which of the following bases is not present in RNA?

A. Adenine
B. Thymine
C. Uracil
D. Cytosine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thymine is not present in RNA. RNA uses uracil as one of its bases, which pairs with adenine. In RNA, adenine does not pair with thymine as in DNA. Cytosine and guanine are the other two bases found in both RNA and DNA.

3. 72 chromosomes undergo meiosis. How many chromosomes will be in each gamete?

A. 18
B. 36
C. 72
D. 144

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved in each gamete. Since 72 chromosomes undergo meiosis, each gamete will contain half of that number, which is 36 chromosomes. Therefore, the correct answer is 18 chromosomes in each gamete. Choice B (36 chromosomes) is incorrect because it represents the total number of chromosomes that undergo meiosis, not the number in each gamete. Choice C (72 chromosomes) is incorrect as it represents the initial number of chromosomes, not the number in each gamete after meiosis. Choice D (144 chromosomes) is incorrect as it doubles the initial number of chromosomes, which is not the outcome of meiosis.

4. How many different types of nucleotides are there in DNA?

A. one
B. two
C. four
D. eight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: four.' DNA is composed of four different types of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. These nucleotides pair up in specific combinations to form the genetic code. Choices 'A: one,' 'B: two,' and 'D: eight' are incorrect because DNA consists of a set of four distinct nucleotides, not one, two, or eight.

5. Muscles are connected to bones by , and bones are connected to each other by .

A. Muscles
B. Tendons, ligaments
C. Muscles
D. Ligaments

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Muscles are connected to bones by tendons, which allow the muscle to exert force on the bone for movement. Bones are connected to each other by ligaments, which provide stability and support to the joints between bones. This relationship between muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments is essential for proper movement and function of the musculoskeletal system. Choice A is incorrect because muscles are not directly connected to bones; tendons serve as the connection between muscles and bones. Choice D is incorrect because ligaments connect bones to each other, not muscles to bones.