HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What is the fundamental unit of life?
- A. Atom
- B. Cell
- C. Tissue
- D. Organ
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Cell.' Cells are indeed the fundamental unit of life as they are responsible for all living functions, including growth, reproduction, and maintaining homeostasis. While atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, cells are the smallest structural and functional unit of living organisms. Choices C and D, tissue and organ respectively, are composed of multiple cells working together and are not considered the basic unit of life.
2. What is represented by this formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂?
- A. Glycolysis
- B. Cellular respiration
- C. Photosynthesis
- D. Electronic transport
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The formula represents the process of photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are converted into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) using light energy. This process is essential for plants and some microorganisms to produce food and oxygen. Glycolysis and cellular respiration involve breaking down glucose to produce energy, and the electron transport chain is part of cellular respiration, not photosynthesis.
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. Which of the following organelles are responsible for producing cell energy?
- A. Mitochondrion and chloroplast
- B. Mitochondrion and nucleus
- C. Chloroplast and nucleus
- D. Chloroplast and lysosome
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitochondrion and chloroplast. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for producing cell energy through cellular respiration and photosynthesis, respectively. Choice B is incorrect because the nucleus is not involved in energy production. Choice C is incorrect as the nucleus is not an organelle that produces energy. Choice D is incorrect as lysosomes function in digesting waste materials, not in energy production.
5. Select the cell parts that are present in plant cells but not animal cells (there may be more than one answer):
- A. Cell membrane
- B. Cell wall
- C. Ribosome
- D. Chloroplast
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Plant cells have a cell wall (B) which provides structural support and protection for the cell, a feature that is not present in animal cells. The cell membrane (A) is found in both plant and animal cells. Ribosomes (C) are present in both types of cells and are responsible for protein synthesis. Chloroplasts (D) are unique to plant cells and are responsible for carrying out photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct answers are B and D because the cell wall and chloroplast are specific to plant cells, while the cell membrane and ribosomes are found in both plant and animal cells.
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