HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. As cattle graze, cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up. This is an example of ___________.
- A. Mutualism
- B. Parasitism
- C. Commensalism
- D. Competition
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Commensalism is a relationship between two species in which one benefits without affecting the other species. In this scenario, the cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle while the cattle are not significantly impacted by the presence of the egrets. The egrets obtain food easily, and the cattle are neither harmed nor helped by the egrets' presence, making it an example of commensalism. Mutualism involves both species benefiting, parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of the other, and competition involves both species being negatively affected by their interactions, none of which apply to the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets in this context.
2. What type of cells are involved in meiosis (sex cells)?
- A. Somatic Cells
- B. Gametes
- C. Zygote
- D. Diploid Cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Gametes. Gametes are the specialized sex cells involved in meiosis, such as sperm and eggs. Somatic cells (A) are non-reproductive cells found in the body, not involved in meiosis. Zygote (C) is the result of fertilization, formed when gametes unite. Diploid cells (D) have two sets of chromosomes, but in meiosis, gametes are produced through a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to haploid.
3. How should a researcher test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones is significant enough to raise the temperature of water in a test tube?
- A. Dial a cell phone that rests beside a test tube of water, let it ring for two minutes, and record the temperature of the water before and after the two-minute interval.
- B. Dial a cell phone that rests beside a test tube of water; let it ring for two, three, and four minutes; and record the temperature of the water before and after each interval.
- C. Use three different brands of cell phone; dial each as it rests beside its own test tube of water, let it ring for two minutes, and record the temperature of the water before and after the two-minute interval.
- D. Use three different brands of cell phone, dial each and let one ring for two minutes, one for three minutes, and one for four minutes; record the temperature of the water before and after each interval.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones raises the temperature of water in a test tube, the most appropriate method is to dial a cell phone next to a test tube of water, let it ring for a consistent two-minute interval, and record the temperature before and after. Choice A is correct because it provides a controlled approach to isolate the impact of the phone's radiation on the water temperature. Choices B, C, and D introduce additional variables that could confound the results. Choice B varies the duration of exposure, making it difficult to attribute temperature changes specifically to the radiation. Choice C introduces the factor of different cell phone brands, which could introduce variability not related to radiation. Choice D also varies exposure times and introduces the factor of multiple phone brands, making it harder to determine the direct impact of cell phone radiation on water temperature. Therefore, choice A is the most suitable option for this experiment.
4. During protein synthesis, what process creates a complementary strand of RNA from a DNA template?
- A. Transcription
- B. Translation
- C. Transformation
- D. Replication
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During protein synthesis, transcription is the process that creates a complementary RNA strand from a DNA template. This process involves the synthesis of mRNA using DNA as a template. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it is the process where the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific polypeptide chain. Choice C, 'Transformation,' is not related to the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. Choice D, 'Replication,' is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical DNA molecule, not RNA.
5. What helps the cell maintain its shape and allows it to adapt?
- A. Microfilaments
- B. Cytoplasm
- C. Cytoskeleton
- D. Centrioles
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The cytoskeleton is the correct answer. It provides structural support to the cell, helps maintain its shape, and enables it to adapt to different environments. Microfilaments are part of the cytoskeleton, but they alone do not encompass the entire cytoskeleton's functions. Cytoplasm is the fluid inside the cell where organelles are suspended and is not directly responsible for maintaining cell shape. Centrioles are involved in cell division and do not primarily contribute to maintaining the cell's shape and adaptation.
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