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. In a strand of DNA, you would expect to see adenine paired with ___________.
- A. cytosine
- B. uracil
- C. thymine
- D. guanine
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a strand of DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds. This pairing is a fundamental aspect of DNA structure, where adenine and thymine complement each other in the double helix. Choice A (cytosine) is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA. Choice B (uracil) is incorrect as uracil is found in RNA, not DNA. Choice D (guanine) is incorrect as guanine pairs with cytosine, not adenine, in DNA.
3. Which is true of gametes?
- A. They are diploid cells
- B. They are haploid cells
- C. They are somatic
- D. A & C are true
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Gametes are sex cells (sperm and eggs) that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are haploid cells, meaning they have half the number of chromosomes (n) compared to diploid cells. This is necessary for the formation of a diploid zygote when two gametes unite during fertilization. Somatic cells are non-reproductive cells in the body, so they are not gametes. Choice A is incorrect because gametes are not diploid but haploid. Choice C is incorrect because gametes are not somatic cells.
4. How many pairs of homologous chromosomes do humans have?
- A. 13
- B. 23
- C. 26
- D. 46
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 46. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which include 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes. Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that contain the same genes, one from each parent. Therefore, humans have a total of 46 chromosomes, with 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the total number of chromosomes in humans or the number of pairs of homologous chromosomes.
5. Which statement is untrue?
- A. RNA is single-stranded.
- B. RNA contains uracil.
- C. DNA codes for proteins.
- D. DNA cannot be altered.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: DNA can be altered through various processes such as mutations, genetic engineering, and epigenetic modifications. Changes in DNA can occur naturally or through external influences, leading to variations in the genetic code. Therefore, the statement that DNA cannot be altered is untrue. Choices A, B, and C are true statements. RNA is indeed single-stranded, RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, and DNA serves as a template for protein synthesis.
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