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. Why is DNA important for the metabolic activities of the cell?
- A. It initiates cellular mitosis.
- B. It provides cell wall stability.
- C. It increases glucose absorption.
- D. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: DNA is important for the metabolic activities of the cell because it controls the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are essential for catalyzing metabolic reactions in the cell. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because DNA is not directly involved in cellular mitosis, cell wall stability, or glucose absorption.
3. Why do high-salt content foods not require refrigeration to prevent spoilage?
- A. Osmosis
- B. Diffusion
- C. Active transport
- D. Passive transport
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Osmosis is the natural process that prevents high-salt content foods from spoiling without the need for refrigeration. Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (water) to an area of higher solute concentration (salt). In high-salt content foods, the salt acts as a preservative by drawing moisture out of bacteria or other microorganisms, making it difficult for them to survive and spoil the food. This process helps in preserving the food and preventing spoilage even without refrigeration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve the specific mechanism of water movement in response to the salt concentration in high-salt content foods.
4. What is the purpose of the mitochondria?
- A. Control the cell
- B. Create energy
- C. Create proteins
- D. Package waste for removal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Create energy. The primary purpose of the mitochondria is to generate energy for the cell. Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell because they produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency used by cells to carry out various functions and processes. Choice A is incorrect as the mitochondria do not control the cell but rather produce energy. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes. Choice D is incorrect as packaging waste for removal is a function associated with lysosomes, not mitochondria.
5. Which of the following is true of optical microscopy?
- A. Utilizes scanning electrons
- B. Utilizes visible light
- C. Utilizes dye for samples
- D. More than one of the above is true
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'More than one of the above is true.' Optical microscopy utilizes visible light (Choice B) and often involves the use of dyes for samples (Choice C). Using dyes helps enhance contrast, making it easier to visualize the structures being observed. Choice A is incorrect as optical microscopy does not utilize scanning electrons, but rather visible light.
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