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. What provides the cell with the ability to move and propel?
- A. Microfilaments
- B. Microtubules
- C. Flagella
- D. Cilia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Microtubules are the cellular structures responsible for cell movement and propulsion. Microtubules are part of the cytoskeleton and play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell motility and intracellular transport. While microfilaments also contribute to cell movement by enabling muscle contraction and cell shape changes, they are not primarily responsible for propelling the cell. Flagella and cilia are cellular appendages involved in cell movement, but they are composed of microtubules, making them the structures that move due to the actions of microtubules.
3. Why do high-salt content foods not require refrigeration to prevent spoilage?
- A. Osmosis
- B. Diffusion
- C. Active transport
- D. Passive transport
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Osmosis is the natural process that prevents high-salt content foods from spoiling without the need for refrigeration. Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (water) to an area of higher solute concentration (salt). In high-salt content foods, the salt acts as a preservative by drawing moisture out of bacteria or other microorganisms, making it difficult for them to survive and spoil the food. This process helps in preserving the food and preventing spoilage even without refrigeration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve the specific mechanism of water movement in response to the salt concentration in high-salt content foods.
4. Which of the following is true of the Krebs cycle?
- A. It is a redox reaction involving proteins produced during glycolysis
- B. It is a redox reaction involving sugars produced during glycolysis
- C. Protons are passed along a gradient to produce ATP
- D. It is also known as the glycolic acid cycle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, involves a series of redox reactions that occur in the mitochondria. The cycle begins with the oxidation of acetyl CoA, which is derived from the breakdown of sugars produced during glycolysis. These sugars are broken down further in the Krebs cycle to produce ATP and reduce electron carriers such as NADH and FADH2. The cycle does not involve proteins produced during glycolysis. Protons are not passed along a gradient to produce ATP directly in the Krebs cycle; rather, they are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP. The Krebs cycle is not known as the glycolic acid cycle; glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that produces pyruvate from glucose.
5. Prokaryotic cells:
- A. Have a nucleus
- B. Have a capsule
- C. Have membrane-bound organelles
- D. Cannot move on their own
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. One characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells is the presence of a capsule, which is a protective layer outside the cell wall. This capsule helps the prokaryotic cell adhere to surfaces, evade the host immune system, and protect against desiccation. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles. Choice D is incorrect as prokaryotic cells can move using structures like flagella or pili.
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