HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What is the most important component of the cell, contributing to protection, communication, and the passage of substances?
- A. Cytoplasm
- B. Cell Membrane
- C. Cytoskeleton
- D. Vacuole
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cell membrane is the correct answer. It is the most important component of the cell as it provides protection, facilitates communication, and regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell. The cytoplasm (Choice A) is the gel-like substance within the cell that holds organelles, but it is not primarily responsible for the functions mentioned in the question. The cytoskeleton (Choice C) provides structural support to the cell but is not directly involved in protection, communication, or substance passage. Vacuoles (Choice D) are responsible for storage and maintaining turgor pressure but do not play a primary role in the functions specified in the question.
2. How does asexual reproduction differ from sexual reproduction?
- A. asexual reproduction results in all cells being identical to the original cell; sexual reproduction results in half of the cells being identical to the original cell
- B. asexual reproduction results in two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
- C. sexual reproduction involves two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
- D. sexual reproduction involves one cell that yields all cells produced to be identical
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sexual reproduction involves two cells (gametes) that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater genetic variation in the offspring. This genetic variation is essential for evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. In contrast, asexual reproduction involves one cell dividing to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because sexual reproduction does not result in half of the cells being identical to the original cell; it involves two cells contributing genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not result in significantly greater variation; it produces genetically identical offspring. Choice D is incorrect because sexual reproduction involves two cells contributing genetic material, not one cell yielding all identical cells.
3. Huntington’s disease is carried on the dominant allele. In a situation where two heterozygous parents have the disease, what percentage of their offspring are predicted to be disease-free?
- A. 0%
- B. 25%
- C. 50%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, both parents are heterozygous for Huntington's disease, meaning each carries one dominant allele (representing the disease) and one recessive allele (representing no disease). When they have offspring, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two recessive alleles, making them disease-free. The Punnett square for two heterozygous parents (Hh x Hh) yields a 25% probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (hh) and therefore disease-free. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a possibility of disease-free offspring. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as it represents the likelihood of being a carrier. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as all offspring will not be disease-free in this scenario.
4. Which organelle is involved in the synthesis of proteins?
- A. Endoplasmic Reticulum
- B. Ribosomes
- C. Lysosomes
- D. Vacuoles
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles involved in the synthesis of proteins. They are the cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins, making them essential for cell function and structure. The other organelles listed, such as the Endoplasmic Reticulum, Lysosomes, and Vacuoles, have different functions unrelated to protein synthesis. The Endoplasmic Reticulum plays a role in protein processing and transport, Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and Vacuoles are responsible for storage and maintaining cell turgor pressure.
5. Which of the following is true of homozygous traits?
- A. They are haploid
- B. They are denoted AA
- C. They are denoted aa
- D. They are denoted Aa
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Homozygous traits have two identical forms of the gene, either both dominant (AA) or both recessive (aa). Therefore, choices B and C are true for homozygous traits. Choice A is incorrect because being haploid refers to having a single set of chromosomes, not necessarily homozygous traits. Choice D is incorrect as homozygous traits have identical alleles, so they are not denoted as Aa.
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