HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. How should a researcher test the hypothesis that a particular species of bird vocalizes most in the hours around dawn?
- A. Observe a flock of the birds in captivity and record them at two-hour intervals from predawn until sunset for a month.
- B. Observe a flock of the birds in the wild and record them at one-hour intervals from predawn until sunset in several seasons.
- C. Observe a flock of the birds in the wild and record them in predawn and postdawn hours every day for six months.
- D. Observe a flock of the birds in the wild, record them at one-hour intervals for a month, and compare that recording to recordings of other species.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Observing a flock of the birds in the wild and recording them in predawn and postdawn hours every day for six months would be the best way to test the hypothesis that a particular species of bird vocalizes most in the hours around dawn. This method allows for consistent monitoring of the birds during specific times of interest over an extended period, providing a comprehensive dataset to accurately analyze the vocalization patterns. Options A and B do not focus specifically on dawn hours, making them less suitable for testing the hypothesis. Option D introduces a comparison with other species, which is unnecessary and distracts from the main objective of studying the vocalization pattern of the particular bird species around dawn.
2. The fur color in a population of dogs is controlled by two alleles: black (B) and tan (b). The black allele exhibits complete dominance. If the phenotype of the dog is tan fur, what is its genotype?
- A. BB
- B. Bb
- C. bb
- D. Not enough information
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "bb." Since tan fur is the recessive trait controlled by the allele 'b,' the only possible genotype for a dog with tan fur is 'bb.' If a dog had the genotype 'BB' or 'Bb,' the dominant trait (black fur) would be expressed, not tan fur. Choice D, 'Not enough information,' is incorrect because based on the information provided, we can deduce the genotype of a dog with tan fur.
3. Which organelle is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell?
- A. Endoplasmic Reticulum
- B. Lysosomes
- C. Peroxisomes
- D. Golgi Apparatus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Peroxisomes. Peroxisomes are responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell by breaking down fatty acids and producing hydrogen peroxide. This process helps protect the cell from damage caused by toxic substances. Choice A, Endoplasmic Reticulum, is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, not detoxification. Choice B, Lysosomes, contain enzymes for digestion and waste removal, not primarily detoxification. Choice D, Golgi Apparatus, is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not detoxification.
4. Huntington’s disease is carried on the dominant allele. In a situation where two heterozygous parents have the disease, what percentage of their offspring are predicted to be disease-free?
- A. 0%
- B. 25%
- C. 50%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, both parents are heterozygous for Huntington's disease, meaning each carries one dominant allele (representing the disease) and one recessive allele (representing no disease). When they have offspring, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two recessive alleles, making them disease-free. The Punnett square for two heterozygous parents (Hh x Hh) yields a 25% probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (hh) and therefore disease-free. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a possibility of disease-free offspring. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as it represents the likelihood of being a carrier. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as all offspring will not be disease-free in this scenario.
5. Why do we perceive chlorophyll as green?
- A. It absorbs yellow and blue light.
- B. It primarily absorbs green light.
- C. It fails to absorb green light.
- D. It primarily absorbs red light.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Chlorophyll appears green to us because it primarily absorbs yellow and blue light while reflecting green light. The wavelengths of yellow and blue light are absorbed by chlorophyll for photosynthesis, which results in the green color we perceive. Choice B is incorrect because chlorophyll absorbs yellow and blue light, not green light. Choice C is incorrect because chlorophyll does absorb green light, but it also absorbs other wavelengths, primarily yellow and blue. Choice D is incorrect because chlorophyll primarily absorbs yellow and blue light, not red light.
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