HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Which of the following bases is not present in RNA?
- A. Adenine
- B. Thymine
- C. Uracil
- D. Cytosine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Thymine is not present in RNA. RNA uses uracil as one of its bases, which pairs with adenine. In RNA, adenine does not pair with thymine as in DNA. Cytosine and guanine are the other two bases found in both RNA and DNA.
2. Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Cell membrane
- C. Endoplasmic reticulum
- D. Cytoplasm
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.
3. The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:
- A. product
- B. respiration
- C. metabolism
- D. synthesis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.
4. What is the function of water in photosynthesis?
- A. Combine with carbon dioxide
- B. Absorb light energy
- C. Supply electrons in the light reactions
- D. Transport hydrogen ions in the dark reactions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Supply electrons in the light reactions.' In photosynthesis, water is split during the light reactions of photosynthesis, releasing electrons that are used in the formation of ATP and NADPH, crucial for the synthesis of glucose. Choice A is incorrect because water does not combine with carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. Choice B is incorrect as water does not absorb light energy directly. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of hydrogen ions mainly occurs in the electron transport chain, which is part of the light reactions, not the dark reactions.
5. Select the cell parts that are present in plant cells but not animal cells (there may be more than one answer):
- A. Cell membrane
- B. Cell wall
- C. Ribosome
- D. Chloroplast
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Plant cells have a cell wall (B) which provides structural support and protection for the cell, a feature that is not present in animal cells. The cell membrane (A) is found in both plant and animal cells. Ribosomes (C) are present in both types of cells and are responsible for protein synthesis. Chloroplasts (D) are unique to plant cells and are responsible for carrying out photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct answers are B and D because the cell wall and chloroplast are specific to plant cells, while the cell membrane and ribosomes are found in both plant and animal cells.
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