HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test
1. The apical side of an epithelial cell:
- A. Is exposed to fluid or air
- B. Is on the bottom side of the cell
- C. Does not allow any substances to pass through
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The apical side of an epithelial cell is the top side, which is typically exposed to fluids, air, or the inside of an organ. This side allows substances to pass through it, facilitating the absorption, secretion, or excretion of various substances. Choice B is incorrect as the apical side is not on the bottom but the top side. Choice C is incorrect as the apical side does allow substances to pass through. Choice D is incorrect as there are characteristics associated with the apical side.
2. Cells reproduce by different processes, all of which fall into what two categories?
- A. Sexual reproduction and binary fission
- B. Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction
- C. Asexual reproduction and binary fission
- D. Asexual reproduction and mitosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cells reproduce through two main processes: 'sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction.' Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes to produce offspring with genetic variation, while asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring genetically identical to the parent. Choice A is incorrect because binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction, not sexual reproduction. Choice C is incorrect because it combines two forms of asexual reproduction. Choice D is incorrect because mitosis is a specific type of cell division, not a form of reproduction involving the production of offspring.
3. Which of the following is a protein?
- A. cellulose
- B. hemoglobin
- C. estrogen
- D. ATP
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'hemoglobin' because it is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Cellulose is a carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants, not a protein. Estrogen is a hormone, not a protein. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that carries energy within cells, not a protein.
4. How is the plasma membrane arranged?
- A. In a single layer made of proteins
- B. In a double layer made of proteins
- C. In a single layer of phospholipids
- D. In a double layer of phospholipids
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The plasma membrane is arranged in a double layer of phospholipids, known as a phospholipid bilayer. This structure consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules with hydrophilic heads facing the exterior and hydrophobic tails facing the interior, providing a semipermeable barrier for the cell. Choice A is incorrect because the plasma membrane is not made of a single layer of proteins. Choice B is incorrect as the double layer is composed of phospholipids, not proteins. Choice C is incorrect as the plasma membrane is not made of a single layer of phospholipids but rather a double layer.
5. Why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot?
- A. Plant cells can use both methods to divide
- B. Animal cells divide faster, requiring them to pinch apart
- C. Plant cells are too rigid to use a contractile ring
- D. N/A
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall surrounding them, which prevents them from using a contractile ring for cell division. The rigid cell wall requires plant cells to form a cell plate during cell division instead of pinching apart like animal cells with a contractile ring. Choice A is incorrect because plant cells cannot use a contractile ring due to their rigid cell wall. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of cell division is not the primary reason for the difference in cell division mechanisms between plant and animal cells. Choice D is not applicable as plant cells indeed have a specific limitation in using a contractile ring for cell division.
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