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. The force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the Earth's atmosphere is the ______.
- A. Atmospheric pressure
- B. Barometric density
- C. Aneroid pressure
- D. Barometric pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atmospheric pressure is the correct term for the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the Earth's atmosphere. It is commonly measured in units such as pascals, millibars, or inches of mercury. Barometric density and aneroid pressure are not accurate descriptions for this phenomenon. Barometric density refers to the density of the atmosphere at a particular location, while aneroid pressure is linked to a type of barometer but not a comprehensive term for the force exerted by the weight of air.
3. What is DNA made of?
- A. Proteins
- B. Nucleotides
- C. Lipids
- D. Carbohydrates
Correct answer: B
Rationale: DNA is made up of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of genetic material. Choice A (Proteins) is incorrect because while proteins play a crucial role in the body, they are not the building blocks of DNA. Choice C (Lipids) and Choice D (Carbohydrates) are also incorrect as they are not the primary components of DNA.
4. What happens to glucose during glycolysis?
- A. Its energy is entirely lost.
- B. It splits into molecules of pyruvic acid.
- C. It is stored in NADH.
- D. It joins with molecules of citric acid.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During glycolysis, glucose undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions in the cytoplasm of the cell, resulting in its breakdown into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This process also generates ATP and NADH as energy carriers. Choice A is incorrect because glucose is not entirely lost, but rather converted into other molecules. Choice C is incorrect because NADH is a product of glycolysis, not a storage form for glucose. Choice D is incorrect as glucose does not join with molecules of citric acid during glycolysis, but rather in subsequent stages of cellular respiration.
5. 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.
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