HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. Bacillus subtilis may be described as ___________.
- A. spiral
- B. globular
- C. rod-shaped
- D. grape-like clusters
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bacillus subtilis is a rod-shaped bacterium. Its name "Bacillus" refers to its rod-like shape, which is a characteristic feature of this bacteria.
2. Where is DNA stored?
- A. The nucleus
- B. Ribosomes
- C. Endoplasmic reticulum
- D. Mitochondria
Correct answer: A
Rationale: DNA is stored in the nucleus of a cell. The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material, including the DNA, which contains the instructions for building and operating the cell. The nucleus controls the activities of the cell and is essential for proper cell function and reproduction. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not DNA storage. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, storage, and transport but does not store DNA. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP, but they do not store DNA.
3. Imagine that two parents both carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis. Any homozygous recessive offspring will manifest the disease. What percentage of the offspring is predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease?
- A. 0%
- B. 25%
- C. 50%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When both parents carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis (homozygous recessive), there is a 25% chance for each offspring to inherit two recessive alleles and, therefore, manifest the disease. There is also a 50% chance for each offspring to inherit one recessive allele and one dominant allele, making them carriers of the disease but not manifest it. Therefore, 25% of the offspring are predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a portion of offspring that will be carriers. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as this percentage corresponds to carriers who will not manifest the disease. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as not all offspring will be carriers and not manifest the disease.
4. How do green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?
- A. To synthesize proteins
- B. To store food
- C. To decompose ammonia
- D. To break down nitrites
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle to synthesize proteins. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants take up nitrates from the soil through their roots and incorporate nitrogen into their proteins through the process of protein biosynthesis. This helps in their growth, development, and overall health. Choice B, 'To store food,' is incorrect because nitrates are primarily used for protein synthesis, not food storage. Choice C, 'To decompose ammonia,' is incorrect as plants do not decompose ammonia but rather utilize it through nitrification. Choice D, 'To break down nitrites,' is incorrect as plants typically convert nitrites into nitrates through a process called nitrate assimilation for protein synthesis.
5. Why is it important for cells to undergo mitosis?
- A. mitosis allows for reproduction with male and female gametes
- B. mitosis increases variation within the species
- C. mitosis produces cells that are different from the parent cell
- D. mitosis produces cells for growth and repair of body tissue
Correct answer: D
Rationale: It is important for cells to undergo mitosis because it produces cells for the growth and repair of body tissues. Mitosis allows for the formation of genetically identical daughter cells, ensuring proper function and maintenance of the organism's body. By producing new cells, mitosis helps in the replenishment of damaged or worn-out tissue and supports overall growth and development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because mitosis is not directly related to reproduction with male and female gametes, increasing variation within the species, or producing cells different from the parent cell. These functions are more associated with meiosis, which is specifically for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.
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