the system maintains the bodys balance through the release of directly into the bloodstream

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream?

A. The gastrointestinal system
B. The endocrine system
C. The digestive system
D. The endocrine system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The endocrine system. The endocrine system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones produced by glands in the endocrine system regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by releasing hormones that help control and coordinate different processes in the body. Choices A, C, and B are incorrect. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste; the digestive system includes the gastrointestinal system and other accessory organs; and choice B is a duplicate of the correct answer.

2. Which of the following shows how information is transformed to make a protein?

A. DNA-RNA-protein
B. gene-chromosome-protein
C. ATP-amino acid-protein
D. RNA-DNA-protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct sequence of events for protein synthesis is that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into a protein. This process is known as the central dogma of molecular biology. In this sequence, DNA serves as the template for RNA synthesis (transcription), and the RNA serves as the template for protein synthesis (translation). Choice B is incorrect as genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins, and chromosomes are structures that contain DNA. Choice C is incorrect as ATP is an energy molecule and amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but they are not directly involved in the synthesis process. Choice D is incorrect because RNA is first transcribed from DNA and then used as a template to produce proteins.

3. Which of the following types of hormones can diffuse through the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell and stimulate a chemical response to a target cell?

A. fat-soluble hormones
B. amino acid derivatives
C. hydrophilic hormones
D. water-soluble hormones

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: fat-soluble hormones. Fat-soluble hormones are able to diffuse through the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell. This is because they are lipophilic, allowing them to cross the lipid bilayer easily. Once inside the cell, fat-soluble hormones can directly affect gene expression or cell function. Choice B, amino acid derivatives, and choice C, hydrophilic hormones, are not able to diffuse through the cell membrane as they are not lipophilic. Therefore, they cannot bind to receptors inside the cell. Choice D, water-soluble hormones, also cannot diffuse through the cell membrane as it is hydrophilic, making it unable to reach receptors inside the cell.

4. Which of the following is necessary for cell diffusion?

A. water
B. membrane
C. ATP
D. gradient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'gradient.' In cell diffusion, substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, driven by the concentration gradient. This process does not require water, membrane, or ATP specifically. Water can aid in the movement of substances, but it is not necessary for diffusion itself. The membrane is involved in regulating diffusion but is not a requirement for the process. ATP is not directly involved in simple diffusion processes; instead, it is more related to active transport mechanisms. Therefore, the concentration gradient is essential for cell diffusion to occur.

5. What is the fundamental unit of life?

A. Atom
B. Cell
C. Tissue
D. Organ

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Cell.' Cells are indeed the fundamental unit of life as they are responsible for all living functions, including growth, reproduction, and maintaining homeostasis. While atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, cells are the smallest structural and functional unit of living organisms. Choices C and D, tissue and organ respectively, are composed of multiple cells working together and are not considered the basic unit of life.