HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Genes control heredity in man and other organisms. This gene is ___
- A. A segment of DNA
- B. A bead-like structure on the chromosomes
- C. A protein molecule
- D. A segment of RNA
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Genes are sections of DNA that contain instructions for building and operating living organisms. These sections of DNA contain the genetic information that is passed on from one generation to the next. Genes are composed of specific sequences of nucleotides within the DNA molecule. Therefore, genes are best described as segments of DNA. Choice A is correct. Choice B is incorrect because genes are not bead-like structures on chromosomes but specific sequences of DNA. Choice C is incorrect because genes are not protein molecules but rather sequences of nucleotides. Choice D is incorrect because genes are not segments of RNA but DNA.
2. Select the strand of DNA that would match this segment: ACTTGCA
- A. TGAACGT
- B. GACCATG
- C. ACTTGCA
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct match for the DNA segment ACTTGCA is TGAACGT. In DNA, adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G). Therefore, the complementary strand to ACTTGCA should be TGAACGT, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B (GACCATG) does not follow the base pairing rules; hence, it is incorrect. Choice C (ACTTGCA) is the original segment, not its complementary strand. Choice D is incorrect as well because a matching strand does exist.
3. What is the first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate?
- A. Glycolysis
- B. Krebs cycle
- C. Electron transport chain
- D. Aerobic respiration
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate through a series of enzymatic reactions. Choice B, the Krebs cycle, occurs after glycolysis in aerobic cellular respiration. Choice C, the Electron transport chain, is the final step in aerobic respiration where the majority of ATP is produced. Choice D, Aerobic respiration, is a broader term that encompasses glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain, but it is not the specific first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate.
4. Which bacteria are spherical in shape?
- A. Clostridia
- B. Bacilli
- C. Spirilla
- D. Cocci
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cocci. Bacteria that are spherical in shape are known as cocci. They can be found in various arrangements such as clusters, chains, or pairs. Examples of cocci bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Choice A, Clostridia, consists of rod-shaped bacteria. Choice B, Bacilli, refers to rod-shaped bacteria as well. Choice C, Spirilla, are spiral-shaped bacteria, not spherical.
5. What is the most important component of the cell, contributing to protection, communication, and the passage of substances?
- A. Cytoplasm
- B. Cell Membrane
- C. Cytoskeleton
- D. Vacuole
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cell membrane is the correct answer. It is the most important component of the cell as it provides protection, facilitates communication, and regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell. The cytoplasm (Choice A) is the gel-like substance within the cell that holds organelles, but it is not primarily responsible for the functions mentioned in the question. The cytoskeleton (Choice C) provides structural support to the cell but is not directly involved in protection, communication, or substance passage. Vacuoles (Choice D) are responsible for storage and maintaining turgor pressure but do not play a primary role in the functions specified in the question.
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