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. Which of these is not an example of a lipid?
- A. Butter
- B. Wax
- C. Canola oil
- D. Honey
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Honey is not an example of a lipid because lipids are fat-related molecules that are insoluble in water, while honey is a natural sweet substance made by bees and primarily consists of sugars such as glucose and fructose. Butter, wax, and canola oil are examples of lipids as they are all composed of fat-related molecules that do not dissolve in water.
3. Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing ATP in cells?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Mitochondrion
- C. Chloroplast
- D. Lysosome
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mitochondrion.' Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material and controlling cell activities, not for ATP production. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, not ATP production. Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, not ATP production.
4. Which of the following is the structure of the male reproductive system that stores spermatozoa during the maturation process?
- A. vas deferens
- B. scrotum
- C. epididymis
- D. testicular artery
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The epididymis is the structure of the male reproductive system that stores spermatozoa during the maturation process. Sperm cells produced in the testes move to the epididymis, where they mature and become motile before being ejaculated. The vas deferens is responsible for transporting mature sperm to the urethra during ejaculation, the scrotum holds the testes and helps regulate their temperature for sperm production, and the testicular artery supplies blood to the testes. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not play a direct role in storing spermatozoa during the maturation process.
5. Prokaryotic cells:
- A. Have a nucleus
- B. Have a capsule
- C. Have membrane-bound organelles
- D. Cannot move on their own
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. One characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells is the presence of a capsule, which is a protective layer outside the cell wall. This capsule helps the prokaryotic cell adhere to surfaces, evade the host immune system, and protect against desiccation. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles. Choice D is incorrect as prokaryotic cells can move using structures like flagella or pili.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access