HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Why does cellular respiration happen?
- A. Cells can copy DNA
- B. Cells can breathe
- C. Cells can convert nutrients to energy
- D. Cells can divide
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cellular respiration is the process through which cells break down nutrients such as glucose to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. This process allows cells to extract energy from food molecules and use it for various cellular activities and functions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because cellular respiration is specifically about converting nutrients to energy, not about DNA copying, breathing, or cell division.
2. Which two bases are purines?
- A. Adenine (A)
- B. Cytosine (C)
- C. Thymine (T)
- D. Guanine (G)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Adenine (A) and guanine (G) are the two bases that are purines. Purines are characterized by a double-ring structure containing two carbon rings, distinguishing them from pyrimidines. Adenine and guanine are purines because they possess this unique double-ring structure. Therefore, choices A and D, adenine and guanine, respectively, are the correct answers. Choices B and C, cytosine and thymine, are pyrimidines and do not exhibit the double-ring structure characteristic of purines.
3. Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells?
- A. Mitochondria
- B. Chloroplasts
- C. Ribosomes
- D. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are responsible for conducting photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. Mitochondria (choice A) are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are involved in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Ribosomes (choice C) are responsible for protein synthesis. The endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport within the cell, not photosynthesis.
4. If a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, what will happen to the egg?
- A. Expand because water will move into the egg
- B. Shrivel because water will leave the egg
- C. Remain the same
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, the egg will shrivel because water will leave the egg through osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, in this case, from the egg into the saltwater. The higher concentration of solute in the saltwater causes water to move out of the egg, leading to the egg shrinking or shriveling. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the egg will not expand, remain the same, or have an outcome different from shriveling when placed in a beaker of saltwater.
5. Cells reproduce by different processes, all of which fall into what two categories?
- A. Sexual reproduction and binary fission
- B. Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction
- C. Asexual reproduction and binary fission
- D. Asexual reproduction and mitosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cells reproduce through two main processes: 'sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction.' Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes to produce offspring with genetic variation, while asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring genetically identical to the parent. Choice A is incorrect because binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction, not sexual reproduction. Choice C is incorrect because it combines two forms of asexual reproduction. Choice D is incorrect because mitosis is a specific type of cell division, not a form of reproduction involving the production of offspring.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access