HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy?
- A. Citric Acid Cycle
- B. Glycolysis
- C. Electron Transport Chain
- D. Photosynthesis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the metabolism of food to cellular energy. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Citric Acid Cycle and Electron Transport Chain occur later in cellular respiration, while Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
2. Which gives the order of four taxonomic categories from least to most specific?
- A. Kingdom, phylum, class, order
- B. Kingdom, phylum, order, class
- C. Kingdom, order, phylum, class
- D. Kingdom, class, order, phylum
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct order of the four taxonomic categories from least to most specific is Kingdom, phylum, class, and order. This sequence adheres to the hierarchical system of classification where organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics, becoming more specific as you move from Kingdom to order. Choice B is incorrect as the order of 'order' and 'class' is swapped. Choice C is incorrect as 'order' precedes 'phylum' instead of following it. Choice D is incorrect as 'class' should come before 'order'.
3. What is necessary for active transport through a membrane to take place?
- A. Glucose
- B. Oxygen
- C. Sodium
- D. ATP
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Active transport through a membrane requires energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP provides the necessary energy for the transport proteins to move molecules against the concentration gradient, from an area of lower concentration to higher concentration. This process is essential for maintaining cellular functions and regulating the internal environment of a cell. Glucose, oxygen, and sodium are important molecules involved in various cellular processes, but they are not the primary energy source required for active transport across membranes. Therefore, the correct answer is ATP.
4. The two catabolic pathways that lead to cellular energy production are:
- A. fermentation and protein synthesis
- B. cellular respiration and glycolysis
- C. fermentation and glycolysis
- D. cellular respiration and fermentation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: cellular respiration and fermentation. Cellular respiration involves the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, which is the primary source of energy for cells. Fermentation, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces ATP through glycolysis followed by specific fermentation pathways. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Protein synthesis is a biosynthetic process, not a catabolic pathway for energy production. Glycolysis is a common step in both cellular respiration and fermentation, so it is not a pair of distinct catabolic pathways. Therefore, the most accurate pairing of catabolic pathways for cellular energy production is cellular respiration and fermentation.
5. Which cells in the human body lack nuclei?
- A. Nerve cells
- B. Red blood cells
- C. Liver cells
- D. Connective tissue cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, lack nuclei in humans. This absence of a nucleus allows more space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, making red blood cells efficient at their function of oxygen transport in the body. Nerve cells (Choice A), liver cells (Choice C), and connective tissue cells (Choice D) all possess nuclei as they require genetic material for their functions, such as cell signaling, protein synthesis, and structural support.
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