HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. 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.
2. Which molecules contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?
- A. Lipids and proteins
- B. Carbohydrates and lipids
- C. Proteins and carbohydrates
- D. Nucleic acids and proteins
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates and lipids are the molecules that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates such as sugars and starches are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of 1:2:1, while lipids such as fats and oils are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as well. Lipids typically contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms compared to oxygen atoms. Proteins contain nitrogen in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, while nucleic acids contain phosphorus in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they include molecules that contain elements other than carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
3. 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.
4. What is the role of tRNA during protein synthesis?
- A. Carries amino acids to the ribosome
- B. Links nucleotides together
- C. Copies DNA sequences
- D. Replicates genetic material
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During protein synthesis, tRNA plays the crucial role of carrying amino acids to the ribosome. This process ensures that the correct amino acids are brought to the ribosome according to the mRNA sequence. Choice B, linking nucleotides together, refers to the role of RNA polymerase in transcription, not tRNA. Choice C, copying DNA sequences, is the function of DNA polymerase during DNA replication, while choice D, replicating genetic material, is an overarching function of DNA replication, not specific to tRNA's role in protein synthesis.
5. Which statement is untrue?
- A. RNA is single-stranded.
- B. RNA contains uracil.
- C. DNA codes for proteins.
- D. DNA cannot be altered.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: DNA can be altered through various processes such as mutations, genetic engineering, and epigenetic modifications. Changes in DNA can occur naturally or through external influences, leading to variations in the genetic code. Therefore, the statement that DNA cannot be altered is untrue. Choices A, B, and C are true statements. RNA is indeed single-stranded, RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, and DNA serves as a template for protein synthesis.
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