HESI RN
Biology Practice Test
1. Which of the following do prokaryotic cells lack?
- A. A cell membrane
- B. Genetic material
- C. Cytoplasm
- D. Membrane-bound organelles
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria or a nucleus, distinguishing them from eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells do have genetic material, a cell membrane, and cytoplasm. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells do have a cell membrane, which is essential for maintaining cell structure and regulating what enters and exits the cell. Choice B is incorrect because prokaryotic cells contain genetic material, typically in the form of a single circular chromosome. Choice C is incorrect because prokaryotic cells have cytoplasm, where various cellular activities take place.
2. What are the nitrogenous bases of DNA?
- A. Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine
- B. Adenine, guanine, and uracil
- C. Adenine, guanine, and thymine
- D. Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. These are the four nitrogenous bases found in DNA. Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine, forming the complementary base pairs in the double helix structure of DNA. Choice B is incorrect because uracil is a nitrogenous base found in RNA, not DNA. Choice C is incorrect as it is missing cytosine, one of the four bases in DNA. Choice D is incorrect because uracil is not a nitrogenous base in DNA, and it also lacks thymine, which is essential for DNA structure.
3. In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced from:
- A. 46 to 23
- B. 46 to 33
- C. 28 to 14
- D. 24 to 12
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "46 to 23." In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced by half to form gametes for sexual reproduction. In humans, where the diploid chromosome number is 46, meiosis results in haploid cells with 23 chromosomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the correct reduction in chromosome number during meiosis.
4. Which of the following is responsible for the synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, and steroid hormones?
- A. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
- B. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
- C. Golgi apparatus
- D. Ribosomes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the correct answer. It is responsible for the synthesis of lipids, including steroids, and also plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein synthesis and processing, not lipid or carbohydrate synthesis. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging of proteins and lipids, but not for their synthesis. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis, not lipid or carbohydrate synthesis.
5. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?
- A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
- B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
- C. Proteins that act as transport highways
- D. Carbohydrates
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.
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