HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 2024
1. 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.
2. Ocean waves may tear sponges into pieces, each of which may grow into a new sponge. What is this form of reproduction called?
- A. Budding
 - B. Vegetative propagation
 - C. Binary fission
 - D. Fragmentation
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.
3. If both parents have polydactylism, what percentage of their offspring is predicted to manifest the anomaly?
- A. 25%
 - B. 50%
 - C. 75%
 - D. 100%
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When both parents have polydactylism, they each possess at least one dominant allele for polydactylism. Through a Punnett square analysis, it can be determined that 50% of their offspring will inherit the dominant allele from both parents. This results in a 100% chance of manifesting the anomaly (2 out of 4 possibilities). Therefore, 50% of the offspring are predicted to manifest the anomaly. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the principles of Mendelian genetics and Punnett square analysis.
4. The renal system consists of all the organs involved in the formation and release of urine and includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
- A. The digestive system
 - B. The reproductive system
 - C. The renal system
 - D. The kidney system
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct term for the system involving the organs responsible for the formation and release of urine is the renal system, not the digestive or reproductive system. The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are specifically part of the renal system, which is responsible for filtering the blood to remove waste and excess fluids, producing urine, and eliminating it from the body. The other choices, the digestive system and the reproductive system, are not responsible for the formation and release of urine, making them incorrect answers.
5. Cells reproduce by different processes, all of which fall into what two categories?
- A. Sexual reproduction and binary fission
 - B. Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction
 - C. Asexual reproduction and binary fission
 - D. Asexual reproduction and mitosis
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cells reproduce through two main processes: 'sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction.' Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes to produce offspring with genetic variation, while asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring genetically identical to the parent. Choice A is incorrect because binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction, not sexual reproduction. Choice C is incorrect because it combines two forms of asexual reproduction. Choice D is incorrect because mitosis is a specific type of cell division, not a form of reproduction involving the production of offspring.
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