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. 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.
3. Which of the following describes the situation where one allele takes a different form from another in a gene?
- A. phenotype
- B. heterozygous
- C. homolog
- D. homozygous
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Heterozygous is the term used to describe the genotype of an individual with two different alleles for a specific gene. In this case, one allele takes a different form from another, resulting in genetic diversity and variation in trait expression. The other choices are incorrect: 'phenotype' refers to the observable traits of an organism, 'homolog' typically refers to chromosomes that are similar in structure, and 'homozygous' describes the genotype where both alleles for a gene are the same.
4. What is the purpose of the mitochondria?
- A. Control the cell
- B. Create energy
- C. Create proteins
- D. Package waste for removal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Create energy. The primary purpose of the mitochondria is to generate energy for the cell. Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell because they produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency used by cells to carry out various functions and processes. Choice A is incorrect as the mitochondria do not control the cell but rather produce energy. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes. Choice D is incorrect as packaging waste for removal is a function associated with lysosomes, not mitochondria.
5. The scientific name for a house cat is Felis catus. This indicates the house cat’s ___________ and ___________.
- A. kingdom; family
- B. order; subspecies
- C. phylum; class
- D. genus; species
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The scientific name for an organism consists of its genus and species. In this case, 'Felis' refers to the genus, while 'catus' refers to the species, thus indicating the house cat's genus and species as Felis catus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a scientific name does not include information about the kingdom, family, order, subspecies, phylum, or class of an organism.
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