what is the basic unit of life
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024

1. What is the fundamental unit of life?

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. The phases of mitosis include:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct phases of mitosis are prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Prophase is the first phase where chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle forms. Prometaphase follows prophase, involving the full disintegration of the nuclear envelope and the attachment of spindle fibers to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. Metaphase is where chromosomes align along the metaphase plate. Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles. Telophase marks the final stage of mitosis, involving the decondensation of chromosomes and the reformation of the nuclear envelope. Choice A is incorrect because it includes interphase, which is not a phase of mitosis. Choice B is incorrect as it repeats prophase, which is the initial phase. Choice D is incorrect because it includes interphase and repeats prophase.

3. Select the option that best shows complementary base pairing in DNA:

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A purine (A) must pair with a pyrimidine (T) in DNA. This eliminates options A and C as they do not follow the rule of complementary base pairing. Adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T) due to their specific shape and bonding properties in DNA structure. Choice B is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA.

4. When the genotype consists of a dominant and a recessive allele, the phenotype will be like the _ allele.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the genotype consists of a dominant and a recessive allele, the phenotype will be like the dominant allele. This is because dominant alleles typically mask the expression of recessive alleles. Therefore, the dominant allele will be expressed in the phenotype in most basic cases. The recessive allele will only be expressed phenotypically if the individual is homozygous recessive. Choice B, 'Recessive,' is incorrect because the phenotype will not be like the recessive allele in this case. Choice C, 'Both,' is incorrect because in simple dominant-recessive inheritance, the dominant allele will overshadow the recessive allele. Choice D, 'Neither,' is incorrect as the phenotype will resemble the dominant allele.

5. What is the main function of the ribosomes in the cell?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Protein Synthesis. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for synthesizing proteins. This process is crucial for various cellular functions. Choice A, DNA Replication, is incorrect as ribosomes are not involved in this process. Choice C, Lipid Breakdown, is also incorrect as ribosomes do not play a role in lipid metabolism. Choice D, Cell Division, is incorrect as ribosomes are not directly involved in the process of cell division.

Similar Questions

Cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities are often linked together by intimate physical connections. These connections are referred to as ______.
How do animal cells divide?
What organelle in the cell produces energy through the process of respiration?
Muscles are connected to bones by ______, and bones are connected to each other by ______.
Where is the ovary located in a flowering plant?

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