HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. What is the purpose of the mitochondria?
- A. Control the cell
- B. Create energy
- C. Create proteins
- D. Package waste for removal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Create energy. The primary purpose of the mitochondria is to generate energy for the cell. Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell because they produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency used by cells to carry out various functions and processes. Choice A is incorrect as the mitochondria do not control the cell but rather produce energy. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes. Choice D is incorrect as packaging waste for removal is a function associated with lysosomes, not mitochondria.
2. What organelle pushes water out of the cell?
- A. Lysosomes
- B. Vacuoles (contractile)
- C. Mitochondria
- D. Nucleus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vacuoles (contractile). Vacuoles (contractile) are responsible for expelling excess water out of the cell. Lysosomes are involved in the digestion and removal of waste materials, mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell involved in energy production, and the nucleus contains the cell's genetic material but does not play a role in pushing water out of the cell.
3. Why is the nucleus important in a cell?
- A. It stores the DNA
- B. It supports the cell
- C. It makes protein
- D. It makes energy out of food
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nucleus is important in a cell because it stores the DNA, which contains the genetic information necessary for the cell's function and replication. This genetic material controls the cell's activities and characteristics. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because supporting the cell, making proteins, and producing energy are functions typically associated with other cell organelles like the cytoskeleton, ribosomes, and mitochondria, respectively.
4. Within the biological hierarchical system of organization, which of the following is least inclusive?
- A. phylum
- B. order
- C. kingdom
- D. species
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: species.' In the biological hierarchical system of organization, a species is the least inclusive level. A species consists of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. On the other hand, a phylum, order, and kingdom are more inclusive classifications that encompass multiple species. Phylum groups together related classes, order groups together related families, and kingdom groups together related phyla. Therefore, species is the least inclusive category within the biological hierarchical system.
5. 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.
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