HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What are plasma membranes mostly made of?
- A. Proteins
- B. Carbohydrates
- C. Lipids
- D. Nucleotides
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lipids. Plasma membranes are primarily composed of lipids, specifically phospholipids, which form a lipid bilayer. While proteins are also an essential component of plasma membranes, they are not the primary constituent. Carbohydrates are present on the outer surface of the membrane but are not the main structural component. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA and are not the main constituents of plasma membranes.
2. What is the primary function of the endoplasmic reticulum in a cell?
- A. Energy production
- B. Protein synthesis
- C. Waste removal
- D. Transport of materials
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum's primary function is the transport of materials within the cell. It acts as a network of membranes to assist in the transportation of proteins and other substances throughout the cell. Choice A, 'Energy production,' is incorrect because the endoplasmic reticulum is not directly involved in energy production. Choice B, 'Protein synthesis,' is incorrect as protein synthesis mainly occurs in ribosomes, although the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in modifying and transporting proteins. Choice C, 'Waste removal,' is also incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by other organelles like lysosomes and peroxisomes.
3. How do green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?
- A. To synthesize proteins
- B. To store food
- C. To decompose ammonia
- D. To break down nitrites
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle to synthesize proteins. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants take up nitrates from the soil through their roots and incorporate nitrogen into their proteins through the process of protein biosynthesis. This helps in their growth, development, and overall health. Choice B, 'To store food,' is incorrect because nitrates are primarily used for protein synthesis, not food storage. Choice C, 'To decompose ammonia,' is incorrect as plants do not decompose ammonia but rather utilize it through nitrification. Choice D, 'To break down nitrites,' is incorrect as plants typically convert nitrites into nitrates through a process called nitrate assimilation for protein synthesis.
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. Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells?
- A. Mitochondria
- B. Chloroplasts
- C. Ribosomes
- D. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are responsible for conducting photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. Mitochondria (choice A) are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are involved in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Ribosomes (choice C) are responsible for protein synthesis. The endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport within the cell, not photosynthesis.
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