HESI RN
Biology Practice Test
1. 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.
2. What must first occur before a cell can be divided to grow, develop, and reproduce organisms?
- A. RNA replication
- B. DNA replication
- C. Gene replication
- D. Chromosome replication
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: DNA replication. Before a cell can divide to grow, develop, and reproduce organisms, DNA replication must occur. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while RNA, genes, and chromosomes are essential components of cell division, DNA replication is the specific process that must first occur to ensure accurate transmission of genetic material.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
- A. RNA has an extra Phosphate group
- B. DNA has one less oxygen than RNA
- C. RNA has one less oxygen than DNA
- D. DNA has an extra sugar molecule
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. DNA has one less oxygen atom in its sugar molecule (deoxyribose) compared to RNA, which has a ribose sugar. Choice A is incorrect because RNA does not have an extra phosphate group. Choice C is incorrect as RNA actually has one more oxygen atom than DNA. Choice D is incorrect as DNA and RNA have different sugar molecules, with DNA having deoxyribose and RNA having ribose.
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