HESI RN
Biology Practice Test
1. Prophase is the first stage of mitosis. Which of the following best describes chromosomes during this stage?
- A. They are gathered on either side of the separating cell
- B. They are all aligned along the metaphase plate
- C. They are attached to the spindle
- D. They are visibly separate
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible as distinct structures under a microscope. Choice A is incorrect as chromosomes are not gathered on either side of the separating cell during prophase. Choice B is incorrect because chromosomes align along the metaphase plate during the subsequent stage, metaphase. Choice C is incorrect as chromosomes become attached to the spindle fibers during prometaphase, the stage following prophase.
2. Which of the following is a lipid that is a membrane component and a precursor to significant hormones?
- A. Nucleic acids
- B. Proteins
- C. Carbohydrates
- D. Steroids
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Steroids. Steroids are a type of lipid that function as essential components of cell membranes and serve as precursors for significant hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Nucleic acids (choice A) are not lipids but are molecules like DNA and RNA that store genetic information. Proteins (choice B) and carbohydrates (choice C) are biomolecules but are not lipids and do not serve as precursors for hormones or membrane components.
3. Which cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?
- A. Golgi apparatus
- B. Chromatin
- C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- D. Mitochondria
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chromatin. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense shape to fit into the nucleus of a cell. This compact packaging helps protect the DNA structure and regulate gene expression. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP.
4. During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert all except which of the following into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds?
- A. Minerals
- B. Water
- C. Carbon dioxide
- D. Metals
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is utilized to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds like glucose. Minerals play a role in plant growth but are not directly converted during photosynthesis. Metals are not part of the photosynthesis process, making them the correct answer. Therefore, the correct choice is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as minerals, water, and carbon dioxide are involved in the photosynthesis process.
5. Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction. Which of the following occurs during the binary fission process?
- A. The chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane
- B. The chromosomes attach to the spindle formed along the axis
- C. The chromosomes gather in the center of the cell
- D. The chromosomes begin to separate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. In binary fission, the chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane before the cell splits into two. This initial step ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because the spindle apparatus is characteristic of eukaryotic cell division (mitosis), not prokaryotic binary fission. Choice C is incorrect as chromosomes do not necessarily gather in the center of the cell during binary fission. Choice D is incorrect because the chromosomes do not begin to separate in binary fission; they replicate and then move to opposite ends of the cell before division.
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