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 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. Why do cells need to use exocytosis?
- A. To obtain energy
- B. To defend against invaders
- C. To remove waste products
- D. To undergo division
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cells need to use exocytosis to remove waste products from the cell. Exocytosis is a process where cells release molecules or substances outside the cell by fusing vesicles with the cell membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis by efficiently eliminating waste materials. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because exocytosis is specifically involved in the expulsion of molecules, not for obtaining energy, defending against invaders, or cell division.
4. What is the binding membrane of an animal cell called?
- A. Biological membrane
- B. Cell coat
- C. Unit membrane
- D. Plasma membrane
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Plasma membrane. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and acts as an interface between the living interior of the cell and the nonliving exterior. It plays a vital role in maintaining the cell's integrity, regulating the passage of substances in and out of the cell, and facilitating communication with other cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the term 'plasma membrane' specifically refers to the binding membrane of an animal cell, distinguishing it from other types of membranes or coatings found in cells.
5. Cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities are often linked together by intimate physical connections. These connections are referred to as ______.
- A. Separate desmosomes
- B. Ronofilaments
- C. Tight junctions
- D. Fascia adherens
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tight junctions. Tight junctions, also known as zonula occludens, are the intimate physical connections between cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities. These junctions form a virtually impermeable barrier to fluid, creating a tight seal between the cells. This helps in maintaining the integrity and function of the tissue as well as regulating the movement of substances across the cell layer. Choice A, Separate desmosomes, are cell structures that provide strong adhesion between cells but do not create a barrier to fluid. Choice B, Ronofilaments, is not a term used to describe the connections between cells. Choice D, Fascia adherens, are another type of cell junction involved in cell adhesion, but they are different from tight junctions in terms of their structure and function.
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