tonicity refers to the movement of

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Tonicity refers to the movement of:

A. Water
B. Solute
C. Cells
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tonicity refers to the movement of water across a membrane in response to differences in solute concentration. In a hypertonic solution, where there is a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell, water will move out of the cell to try to reach equilibrium. In a hypotonic solution, where there is a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell, water will move into the cell to balance the concentrations. Cells and solutes themselves do not actively move in response to tonicity; it is the movement of water that helps achieve equilibrium. Therefore, the correct answer is water (Choice A). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as tonicity specifically refers to water movement and not the movement of solutes, cells, or none of the above.

2. Why does cytokinesis happen?

A. DNA can duplicate
B. Organelles can convert energy
C. Bacteria can be killed
D. Daughter cells can divide

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cytokinesis happens at the end of mitosis to physically separate the newly formed daughter cells. This allows the cell to divide into two separate daughter cells, each containing a complete set of genetic material (DNA) and organelles. The purpose of cytokinesis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives the necessary components to function independently. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cytokinesis does not directly involve DNA duplication, organelles converting energy, or killing bacteria.

3. What happens to messenger RNA when it reaches the cytoplasm?

A. It attaches to a ribosome.
B. It unzips, exposing nitrogen bases.
C. It pairs with the DNA bases.
D. It pulls free of the DNA strand.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. When mRNA reaches the cytoplasm, it attaches to a ribosome. The ribosome functions as the site for protein synthesis through translation, where the genetic code carried by mRNA is read and translated into a specific sequence of amino acids. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because mRNA does not unzip, expose nitrogen bases, pair with DNA bases, or pull free of the DNA strand in the cytoplasm. The primary function of mRNA in the cytoplasm is to serve as a template for protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes.

4. How many bones are included in the human skeletal system?

A. 412
B. 103
C. Over 300
D. 206

Correct answer: D

Rationale: There are 206 bones in the human skeletal system. This includes bones in the skull, spine, ribs, arms, legs, hands, and feet. The correct answer is 206 because that is the standard number of bones in an adult human body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate count of bones in the human skeletal system.

5. The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:

A. product
B. respiration
C. metabolism
D. synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.