HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. RNA is made from DNA through a process called ___________.
- A. transcription
- B. synthesis
- C. translation
- D. replication
Correct answer: A
Rationale: RNA is made from DNA through a process called transcription. During transcription, an enzyme called RNA polymerase reads the DNA template and synthesizes a complementary RNA molecule. This process is essential for gene expression and allows the information encoded in DNA to be converted into functional RNA molecules. Choice B, 'synthesis,' is incorrect as it is a general term and does not specifically describe the process of RNA formation from DNA. Choice C, 'translation,' is incorrect as it refers to the process where the mRNA is used to assemble amino acids during protein synthesis, not the conversion of DNA to RNA. Choice D, 'replication,' is incorrect as it is the process of making an identical copy of DNA, not converting DNA into RNA.
2. What is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy?
- A. Citric Acid Cycle
- B. Glycolysis
- C. Electron Transport Chain
- D. Photosynthesis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Citric Acid Cycle and Electron Transport Chain occur later in cellular respiration, while Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
3. Which of the following structures is not directly involved in translation?
- A. tRNA
- B. mRNA
- C. ribosome
- D. DNA
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: DNA.' DNA is not directly involved in translation, which is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome, mRNA provides the template for protein synthesis, and ribosomes are the cellular machinery where translation occurs. DNA's main role is in transcription, where it serves as the template for mRNA synthesis, not in translation.
4. Which part of a plant’s reproductive system is of a different “gender” than the others?
- A. Stamen
- B. Pistil
- C. Stigma
- D. Style
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The stamen is the male reproductive organ of a plant, producing pollen grains. The pistil, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary, is the female reproductive organ. Therefore, the stamen is of a different 'gender' than the other parts of the plant's reproductive system. The pistil, stigma, and style are all part of the female reproductive system, involved in receiving pollen and supporting fertilization. Stamen is the correct answer as it is the male part of a plant's reproductive system, making it different 'gender-wise' from the female parts.
5. 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.
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