HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. Humans, or Homo sapiens, are part of the family ___________.
- A. Animalia
- B. Hominidae
- C. Mammalia
- D. Chordata
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Humans, or Homo sapiens, are part of the family Hominidae, which includes great apes such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. This family belongs to the order Primates within the class Mammalia. Choice A (Animalia) refers to the animal kingdom, not the family of humans. Choice C (Mammalia) is the class to which the family Hominidae belongs, not the family itself. Choice D (Chordata) is the phylum to which humans and other animals with a notochord belong, not the specific family.
2. Imagine that two parents both carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis. Any homozygous recessive offspring will manifest the disease. What percentage of the offspring is predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease?
- A. 0%
- B. 25%
- C. 50%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When both parents carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis (homozygous recessive), there is a 25% chance for each offspring to inherit two recessive alleles and, therefore, manifest the disease. There is also a 50% chance for each offspring to inherit one recessive allele and one dominant allele, making them carriers of the disease but not manifest it. Therefore, 25% of the offspring are predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a portion of offspring that will be carriers. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as this percentage corresponds to carriers who will not manifest the disease. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as not all offspring will be carriers and not manifest the disease.
3. How does asexual reproduction differ from sexual reproduction?
- A. asexual reproduction results in all cells being identical to the original cell; sexual reproduction results in half of the cells being identical to the original cell
- B. asexual reproduction results in two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
- C. sexual reproduction involves two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
- D. sexual reproduction involves one cell that yields all cells produced to be identical
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sexual reproduction involves two cells (gametes) that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater genetic variation in the offspring. This genetic variation is essential for evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. In contrast, asexual reproduction involves one cell dividing to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because sexual reproduction does not result in half of the cells being identical to the original cell; it involves two cells contributing genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not result in significantly greater variation; it produces genetically identical offspring. Choice D is incorrect because sexual reproduction involves two cells contributing genetic material, not one cell yielding all identical cells.
4. How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?
- A. 46
- B. 23
- C. 45
- D. 24
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Sperm and egg cells undergo meiosis to form gametes with half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Each sperm and egg cell produces 23 chromosomes through meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because 46 chromosomes represent the diploid number found in somatic cells. Choice C is incorrect as it is an uncommon number for chromosome production in human gametes. Choice D is incorrect as the total number of chromosomes in sperm or egg cells is 23, not 24.
5. 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.
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