HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Which of the following is true of heterozygous traits?
- A. They are haploid
- B. They are denoted AA
- C. They are denoted aa
- D. They are denoted Aa
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Heterozygous traits are denoted by having two different alleles for a particular gene, represented as Aa. This means that they are not haploid (A), not denoted AA (B), and not denoted aa (C). Therefore, the correct answer is D, as heterozygous traits are represented as Aa.
2. What kind of bond connects sugar and phosphate in DNA?
- A. hydrogen
- B. ionic
- C. covalent
- D. overt
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sugar and phosphate are indeed connected by covalent bonds in DNA. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, which is essential for forming the backbone of the DNA molecule. Hydrogen bonds (Choice A) are important in holding the nitrogenous bases together in the DNA double helix but do not connect sugar and phosphate. Ionic bonds (Choice B) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms and are not the primary bond connecting sugar and phosphate in DNA. 'Overt' (Choice D) is not a type of chemical bond and is an incorrect distractor.
3. Two organisms live in a relationship from which both benefit. What is this called?
- A. Mutualism
- B. Parasitism
- C. Commensalism
- D. Competition
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both parties benefit from the association. It is a mutually beneficial interaction where both organisms gain something valuable, such as food, protection, or some other resource. This contrasts with parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, commensalism, where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected, and competition, where both organisms are negatively affected by their interaction.
4. Whose energy efficiency is greater?
- A. Herbivore
- B. Carnivore
- C. Omnivore
- D. Decomposer
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Decomposers have the greatest efficiency of energy among the given options. Decomposers break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition. This breakdown process results in the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem, making energy more readily available for other organisms to use. In contrast, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores all derive their energy from the consumption of other living organisms, making their energy efficiency lower than that of decomposers. Herbivores consume plants for energy, which involves energy loss due to inefficiencies in converting plant matter into usable energy. Carnivores consume herbivores or other carnivores, leading to further energy loss through each trophic level. Omnivores consume both plant and animal matter, but their energy efficiency is still lower than decomposers because of the energy loss associated with consuming living organisms. Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and energy in ecosystems, making them highly efficient in the utilization of energy.
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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