HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. What is another name for the light-independent reaction in plants?
- A. Photosynthesis
- B. Calvin cycle
- C. Germination
- D. Phosphorus cycle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The light-independent reaction in plants is also known as the Calvin cycle. This biochemical pathway, named after Melvin Calvin who discovered it, takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts and is responsible for converting carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. The Calvin cycle does not directly require light to function, hence the alternative name as the light-independent reaction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Photosynthesis is the overall process of converting light energy into chemical energy, which includes both light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Germination is the process where a seed sprouts into a new plant. The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
2. Which of the following are found both in open and closed circulatory systems?
- A. Arteries
- B. Red blood cells
- C. Capillaries
- D. Immune cells
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Capillaries. Capillaries are found in both open and closed circulatory systems. Capillaries are small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the blood and tissues. They are essential components of circulatory systems regardless of whether they are open or closed. Arteries (Choice A) are not found in open circulatory systems, as these systems lack distinct arteries and veins. Red blood cells (Choice B) are present in the blood but are not exclusive to either open or closed circulatory systems. Immune cells (Choice D) are not specific components of circulatory systems, as they are part of the immune system.
3. Where is the genetic code for each person stored?
- A. RNA
- B. DNA
- C. Nucleus
- D. Chromosomes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The genetic code for each person is stored in DNA. DNA carries all the hereditary information, including unique traits and characteristics. RNA (Choice A) is involved in protein synthesis but does not hold the complete genetic code. The nucleus (Choice C) is a cellular organelle that houses the DNA, but it is not the genetic code itself. Chromosomes (Choice D) are structures made of DNA and proteins, but the genetic code is specifically encoded in the DNA molecule.
4. Ocean waves may tear sponges into pieces, each of which may grow into a new sponge. What is this form of reproduction called?
- A. Budding
- B. Vegetative propagation
- C. Binary fission
- D. Fragmentation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.
5. Why is yeast used to make bread rise?
- A. It engages in photosynthesis, which produces oxygen gas.
- B. Carbon dioxide forms while yeast carries out photosynthesis.
- C. Yeast carries out fermentation, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
- D. Yeast breathes in oxygen and produces carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Yeast is used to make bread rise because it carries out fermentation, producing carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise and create a fluffy texture in the bread. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because yeast does not engage in photosynthesis, so it does not produce oxygen gas, does not carry out photosynthesis to form carbon dioxide, and does not produce carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration. Yeast's fermentation process is essential for bread rising.
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