the correct answer is d heterozygous traits contain one dominant and one recessive form of the gene which of the following is true of homozygous trait

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which of the following is true of homozygous traits?

A. They are haploid
B. They are denoted AA
C. They are denoted aa
D. They are denoted Aa

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homozygous traits have two identical forms of the gene, either both dominant (AA) or both recessive (aa). Therefore, choices B and C are true for homozygous traits. Choice A is incorrect because being haploid refers to having a single set of chromosomes, not necessarily homozygous traits. Choice D is incorrect as homozygous traits have identical alleles, so they are not denoted as Aa.

2. How do animal cells divide?

A. Through a contractile ring
B. Via a cell plate
C. Both methods
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Animal cells divide through a contractile ring made of actin and myosin filaments. The ring contracts, pinching the cell membrane in the middle to form two daughter cells. Plant cells use a cell plate due to their rigid cell walls, making choices B and C incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as animal cells do use the contractile ring method for division.

3. During which phase of mitosis do the chromosomes align in the center of the cell?

A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Telophase
D. Anaphase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Metaphase. During Metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the center of the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate. This alignment ensures that during the subsequent phase, Anaphase, the sister chromatids can separate and move towards opposite poles. Prophase is the initial phase of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Telophase is the final phase of mitosis where two new nuclei form.

4. What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

A. Chromosomes are duplicated.
B. Cell growth occurs.
C. DNA is synthesized.
D. DNA is destroyed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the S phase of the cell cycle, chromosomes are duplicated. This is a critical step in cell division as each chromosome is replicated to ensure that the resulting daughter cells receive an identical set of genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cell growth primarily occurs in the G1 phase, DNA synthesis happens during the S phase, and DNA destruction does not occur during any phase of the cell cycle.

5. Which statement regarding energy content is true?

A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
B. Primary consumers < producers
C. Producers > secondary consumers
D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.