what is dna made of

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024

1. What is DNA made of?

A. Proteins
B. Nucleotides
C. Lipids
D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: B

Rationale: DNA is made up of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of genetic material. Choice A (Proteins) is incorrect because while proteins play a crucial role in the body, they are not the building blocks of DNA. Choice C (Lipids) and Choice D (Carbohydrates) are also incorrect as they are not the primary components of DNA.

2. A student was asked to count birds in a given location over a 24-hour period. Which count would make their data most valid?

A. Count birds at one feeder every 6 hours.
B. Count birds at three feeders at noon and 6:00 P.M.
C. Count birds at one feeder at noon and 6:00 P.M.
D. Count birds at three feeders every 6 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Counting birds at one feeder at consistent time intervals (noon and 6:00 P.M.) over a 24-hour period ensures that the data collected are evenly distributed and provide a more accurate representation of the bird population in that location throughout the day. This method allows for observations during different times of the day, capturing potential variations in bird activity and distribution. Choice A is not as effective as it lacks observations at different times of the day, potentially missing variations in bird behavior. Choice B involves multiple locations and times, which could introduce more variables and make it harder to analyze the data accurately. Choice D, counting birds at three feeders every 6 hours, may provide too frequent data points and not cover all significant time intervals for observing bird activity.

3. How many pairs of chromosomes do all humans have?

A. 24 pairs
B. 23 pairs
C. 22 pairs
D. 20 pairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: All humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes. Choice A is incorrect because humans do not have 24 pairs. Choice C is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs, not 22 pairs. Choice D is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, not 20 pairs.

4. How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?

A. 46
B. 23
C. 45
D. 24

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sperm and egg cells undergo meiosis to form gametes with half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Each sperm and egg cell produces 23 chromosomes through meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because 46 chromosomes represent the diploid number found in somatic cells. Choice C is incorrect as it is an uncommon number for chromosome production in human gametes. Choice D is incorrect as the total number of chromosomes in sperm or egg cells is 23, not 24.

5. Which, if any, of the following statements are true?

A. Water boils at approximately 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure
B. The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure around the water
C. Water boils at a lower temperature in areas of lower pressure
D. A and C are true

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both statements A and C are true. Water indeed boils at approximately 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. However, water boils at a lower temperature in areas of lower pressure due to the decreased atmospheric pressure, which affects the vapor pressure and boiling point of water. Statement B is incorrect because the boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure equals the external pressure (atmospheric pressure in this case), not when it is higher.