how is the plasma membrane arranged

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

1. How is the plasma membrane arranged?

A. In a single layer made of proteins
B. In a double layer made of proteins
C. In a single layer of phospholipids
D. In a double layer of phospholipids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The plasma membrane is arranged in a double layer of phospholipids, known as a phospholipid bilayer. This structure consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules with hydrophilic heads facing the exterior and hydrophobic tails facing the interior, providing a semipermeable barrier for the cell. Choice A is incorrect because the plasma membrane is not made of a single layer of proteins. Choice B is incorrect as the double layer is composed of phospholipids, not proteins. Choice C is incorrect as the plasma membrane is not made of a single layer of phospholipids but rather a double layer.

2. Which of the following is true of heterozygous traits?

A. They are haploid
B. They are denoted AA
C. They are denoted aa
D. They are denoted Aa

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Heterozygous traits are denoted by having two different alleles for a particular gene, represented as Aa. This means that they are not haploid (A), not denoted AA (B), and not denoted aa (C). Therefore, the correct answer is D, as heterozygous traits are represented as Aa.

3. What happens during anaphase?

A. Chromosomes move to opposite ends of the spindle.
B. Nuclear membrane and nucleoli disintegrate.
C. Chromatids line up at the center of the spindle.
D. Nuclear membrane and nucleoli form.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During anaphase, the sister chromatids, joined at the centromere, separate and move towards opposite ends of the spindle apparatus. This movement ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Choice B is incorrect as the disintegration of the nuclear membrane and nucleoli occurs during prophase. Choice C is incorrect as chromatids align at the center of the spindle during metaphase, not anaphase. Choice D is incorrect as the formation of the nuclear membrane and nucleoli occurs during telophase, not anaphase.

4. What type of cells are involved in meiosis (sex cells)?

A. Somatic Cells
B. Gametes
C. Zygote
D. Diploid Cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Gametes. Gametes are the specialized sex cells involved in meiosis, such as sperm and eggs. Somatic cells (A) are non-reproductive cells found in the body, not involved in meiosis. Zygote (C) is the result of fertilization, formed when gametes unite. Diploid cells (D) have two sets of chromosomes, but in meiosis, gametes are produced through a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to haploid.

5. Which is true of gametes?

A. They are diploid cells
B. They are haploid cells
C. They are somatic
D. A & C are true

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Gametes are sex cells (sperm and eggs) that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are haploid cells, meaning they have half the number of chromosomes (n) compared to diploid cells. This is necessary for the formation of a diploid zygote when two gametes unite during fertilization. Somatic cells are non-reproductive cells in the body, so they are not gametes. Choice A is incorrect because gametes are not diploid but haploid. Choice C is incorrect because gametes are not somatic cells.