HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. In order, from lower to upper, the layers of the atmosphere are:
- A. Exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
- B. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
- C. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
- D. Thermosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, exosphere
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct order of the layers of the atmosphere, from lower to upper, is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer where weather phenomena occur. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere is where most meteorites burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. The thermosphere is characterized by high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation. The exosphere is the outermost layer where the atmosphere transitions into space. Therefore, option B is the correct sequence, as it reflects the ascending order of the Earth's atmospheric layers.
2. Which one of the following best describes the function of a cell membrane?
- A. It controls the substances entering and leaving the cell.
- B. It maintains the cell's shape.
- C. It controls the substances entering the cell.
- D. It supports the cell's structures.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The function of a cell membrane is to control the substances entering and leaving the cell. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing it to regulate the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the cell to maintain internal balance and proper function. Choice B is incorrect because while the cell membrane does provide some structural support, its primary function is not to maintain the cell's shape. Choice C is incorrect because the cell membrane controls both the substances entering and leaving the cell, not just those entering. Choice D is incorrect as the primary function of the cell membrane is not to support the cell's structures but to regulate the movement of substances.
3. Which part of the plant produces pollen?
- A. Anther
- B. Style
- C. Stigma
- D. Pistil
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The anther is the part of the flower that produces pollen. It is located at the tip of the stamen, the male reproductive organ of a flower. The anther contains pollen sacs where pollen grains are produced. The style is the part of the pistil that connects the stigma to the ovary, playing a role in pollen tube growth. The stigma is the part of the pistil that receives pollen during fertilization. The pistil is the female reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary, and does not produce pollen.
4. Which of the following is an example of human error in an experiment?
- A. an imperfectly calibrated scale
- B. contaminating a sterile sample by breathing on it
- C. a draft in the laboratory slightly changing the temperature of a liquid
- D. failure to account for wind speed when measuring distance traveled
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Contaminating a sterile sample by breathing on it is an example of human error in an experiment because it involves an action directly caused by the researcher that compromises the integrity of the sample. Breathing on a sterile sample introduces external contaminants that can affect the results. Choices A, C, and D involve factors not directly under the researcher's control or are technical errors that do not involve direct human actions.
5. Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells?
- A. Mitochondria
- B. Chloroplasts
- C. Ribosomes
- D. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are responsible for conducting photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. Mitochondria (choice A) are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are involved in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Ribosomes (choice C) are responsible for protein synthesis. The endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport within the cell, not photosynthesis.
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