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 one is not a reactant in photosynthesis?
- A. Water
- B. Light energy
- C. Glucose
- D. Carbon dioxide
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Glucose. Glucose is not a reactant in photosynthesis but a product. During photosynthesis, plants use water, carbon dioxide, and light energy as reactants to produce glucose and oxygen. Water is essential for the process of photosynthesis, along with carbon dioxide and light energy. Light energy is necessary for the light-dependent reactions to occur, which eventually leads to the production of glucose. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants through tiny pores called stomata and is used in the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose. Therefore, glucose is the product of photosynthesis, not a reactant.
3. Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Cell membrane
- C. Endoplasmic reticulum
- D. Cytoplasm
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.
4. The fur color in a population of dogs is controlled by two alleles: black (B) and tan (b). The black allele exhibits complete dominance. If the phenotype of the dog is tan fur, what is its genotype?
- A. BB
- B. Bb
- C. bb
- D. Not enough information
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "bb." Since tan fur is the recessive trait controlled by the allele 'b,' the only possible genotype for a dog with tan fur is 'bb.' If a dog had the genotype 'BB' or 'Bb,' the dominant trait (black fur) would be expressed, not tan fur. Choice D, 'Not enough information,' is incorrect because based on the information provided, we can deduce the genotype of a dog with tan fur.
5. What are the three types of muscle tissue?
- A. Cardiac, spinal, stomach
- B. Smooth, skeletal, cardiac
- C. Neuron, epithelial, collagen
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smooth, skeletal, cardiac. Smooth muscle is found in organs like the stomach and is involuntarily controlled. Skeletal muscle is found in voluntary muscles, like the bicep or quadriceps. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart walls and works involuntarily to make the heart beat and pump blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the three types of muscle tissue.
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