HESI RN
Biology Practice Test
1. A water molecule contains two types of atoms that are covalently bonded. Which of the following makes up a water molecule?
- A. One hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom
- B. One hydrogen atom and two oxygen atoms
- C. Two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms
- D. Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. This forms a stable structure known as H2O. Choice A is incorrect as water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct composition of a water molecule.
2. What is the smallest and most basic unit of matter?
- A. Micromolecule
- B. Atom
- C. Organelle
- D. Molecule
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Atom. An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. Choice A, Micromolecule, is incorrect because molecules are composed of atoms bonded together, making them larger than individual atoms. Choice C, Organelle, is incorrect as organelles are structures within cells, not the basic unit of matter. Choice D, Molecule, is incorrect as molecules are made up of atoms bonded together, so they are not the smallest unit of matter.
3. What function does cholesterol, a phospholipid, serve within the cell membrane?
- A. It builds up fats to make the structure more flexible
- B. It allows protein channels to form
- C. It makes the structure very rigid and impermeable
- D. It stabilizes the membrane structure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Cholesterol helps to maintain the fluidity and stability of the cell membrane by fitting between the phospholipid molecules. Choice A is incorrect because cholesterol does not build up fats in the cell membrane. Choice B is incorrect as protein channels are formed by proteins, not cholesterol. Choice C is incorrect as cholesterol actually helps regulate the fluidity of the membrane, making it less rigid and more permeable.
4. The term pleiotropy is best defined as which of the following?
- A. A situation in which one gene remains unexpressed
- B. One gene influencing multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits
- C. Two genes affected by a single allele
- D. A condition in which multiple genes are missing
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Pleiotropy is best defined as one gene influencing multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. This phenomenon showcases the multifunctionality of genes, where a single gene can have effects on various aspects of an organism's phenotype. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately capture the concept of pleiotropy. Option A refers to gene expression, not pleiotropy. Option C describes genetic interactions but not in the context of pleiotropy. Option D talks about missing genes, which is unrelated to the definition of pleiotropy.
5. Which of the following is not found in a prokaryotic cell?
- A. Plasma membrane
- B. Cytoplasm
- C. Nucleus
- D. Ribosomes
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Nucleus.' Prokaryotic cells do not have a defined nucleus, unlike eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes are all components found in prokaryotic cells. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and exits, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
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